Discussing the recent Rand Paul filibuster, Sarah Binder approvingly quotes Ezra Klein who argues, “When Senate institutionalists wax rhapsodic about the upper chamber, they talk about the filibuster’s cherished role in slowing down the majority and permitting passionate minorities to be heard. That is a valuable endeavor!”
I am one of those “Senate institutionalists.” I certainly wax rhapsodic. I love the Senate where I worked for more than 30 years for three U.S. Senators.
More here, from long-time Senate senior staffer, Richard Arenberg. Rich is co-author, with retired Senate parliamentarian Bob Dove, of Defending the Filibuster: The Soul of the Senate.