US Senate sends strong message. ...Sen. Edward Kennedy

Opposition's share in Senate ! Here goes Sen. Edward Kennedy's recent letter to me..... Dear Zulfiqar Ali, ... .We've succeeded in protecting the independence of our federal courts against this latest Republican attack. Yesterday, the Senate took the GOP's nuclear option off the table and abandoned its latest attempt to turn the Senate into a rubber stamp for this White House. The agreement sends a strong message to the President and Senator Frist that if they want to get his judicial nominees confirmed, their selections need to have broad support from the American people. It is clear today that the Republican leadership and their right-wing allies are not satisfied with that message. One conservative leader even called this agreement a "betrayal." It's obvious that the right wing still insists on absolute power to push their agenda. But it's just as obvious that they no longer have the ability to get their way. Thanks to you and thousands of Americans like you, we stopped their court-packing scheme. What we have done together in recent months is remarkable, and we have to keep the pressure on. Over one hundred thousand people spoke out against these extreme nominees, and told thousands more friends and neighbors about them as well. Sadly, we've had to spend far too long fighting against this Republican power grab. It's clearer than ever that Republican priorities are not the priorities of the American people, and we must continue to stand strong. In the coming months, I will be working on issues that have an impact on all Americans, especially in critical areas like national security and key issues such as jobs, education, health care, civil rights, and the environment. I'm committed to these issues that are so important to all Americans - and I'm confident we can prevail if we all stand together Thank you again for all your impressive work, this latest inspiring progress would never have happened without you Sincerely, Senator Edward M. Kennedy