Republicans Are Even Blocking Their Own Nominees Now

WASHINGTON -- The level of obstruction in the Senate hit a new level of absurdity on Wednesday, as a Democratic effort to confirm a federal judge with strong support from his GOP senators and who unanimously cleared the Judiciary Committee was denied a vote.

Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.) requested on the floor that senators take up and confirm Waverly Crenshaw, a Tennessee district court nominee backed by GOP Sens. Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker. She also asked for a vote on one her judicial nominees, Paula Xinis. Both are next in line for votes, based on the order in which nominees reach the floor.