We’ve reached a point in the power struggle between the White House and Senate Republicans where it’s unclear whether President Obama can get a judicial nominee supported by Ken Starr — yes, that Ken Starr — confirmed to a federal appellate court.

In this case it’s because the court in question is the D.C. Circuit — the second most powerful court in the country. It’s not the Supreme Court, so a Senate minority can largely avoid scrutiny when filibustering its nominees, but its cases are of national importance, so it’s in the GOP’s interests not to allow Obama to fill its four vacancies. Which means the court is hobbled.

But the broad ideological consensus behind Sri Srinivasan will test the GOP’s willingness to abuse its advise and consent power. And if they filibuster him, it will help determine whether theres some threshold level of obstruction that goes too far for Senate Democrats. Read More

Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) gets death threats over gun control bill.