Cheif Justice Scalia?

[Beefalow and the Consumer]

Choice 5.

Operation Judge-Block continues until every member of the SC is 110 and/or we have 60 GOP Senators.

[Beefalow and the Consumer]

I think Thomas is only in his late 50's, which makes him the baby of the court.  Take a look at the supreme court, they could be the cast of 60 Minutes, a bunch of 80 year olds.

Thomas still carries enormous baggage.  Still, it's hard to say which would have an easier time getting by the Senate.

Maybe the Democrats in Congress, after the sound spanking they got all around, will eat a bit of humble pie and drop this ridiculous blockade, but I doubt it.

Oh well, maybe the GOP will have 60 in the 110th Senate.

[Beefalow and the Consumer]

how do the 2006 senate elections look

Good summary:
http://www.angelfire.com/mo/zdawg/2006/senate.html

Senator KKK (D-WV) could retire.  That's 56...
Mark Dayton (D-MN) is in trouble.  That's 57...
Ben Nelson (D-NE).  That's 58...
Kent Conrad (D-ND).  That's 59...

If Jeff Bingaman retires (D-NM), Heather Wilson would make 60.

That assumes no losses on the Republican side, but 60 is a theoretical possibility.

Of course, even in the 109th, all the GOP needs is 5 cooperative Democrats for cloture.

[Beefalow and the Consumer]

I'm guessing Kennedy for chief, some ultra-conservative I don't even want to think about for associate.

I hope Bush will start to work towards unity by appointing a moderate (albeit pro-life constructionist) associate.

It may be a fool's hope, but that would unquestionably be the best and smartest thing he could do.

If the Democrats start filibustering anyone who doesn't pass a 100% pro-choice litmus test, they can say goodbye to about 7 seats in 2006.  I for one will start writing letters to Feingold, like every day.  I voted for him.  Twice.  He owes me.

[Beefalow and the Consumer]

Is there any way to stop the filibuster without 60 votes

Yes.  The Senate could change their rules on how many votes are needed for cloture.  It's not like it's in the Constitution.  However, they would need 60 votes for cloture on the rule change ;-).