The Republicans have a plan to beat the filibuster of Bush judicial nominee Priscilla Owen. The L.A. Weekly article is enlightening in two respects: first, for another example of why Owen should not be moved up to the federal bench. Second, for the sneaky attack plan the Republicans likely will mount to get her in:

It works like this. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist attempts to gradually lower from 60 to 51 the votes needed to end a filibuster. That fails, because it requires 60 votes to change a Senate rule and the Republicans have only 50. Then Vice President Cheney rules on a constitutional point of order that 51 votes can end a filibuster of nominations. The Senate parliamentarian, appointed by Republicans, upholds his ruling. The filibuster blocking Priscilla Owen is ended. (And the road is cleared for the right-wing Supreme Court justices Bush will appoint later in his first term.) It would be quite an end to a Senate procedure in effect since George Washington held office.

Call your senators. Block this plan. Block Owen. TOLL-FREE CONGRESSIONAL SWITCHBOARD: 1-800-839-5276