There is a possibility of a third vacancy with Justice Stevens, that has been rumored, ... He is 85, but in good health. But if that comes in the next year -- with three new justices -- a shift in the court. And that's a problem for both the right and the left.

Why not go after both levels? ... Why not get tough? That's what Sen. Feinstein wants to do, and I think it's a good idea.

It continues to be my hope that both leaders would liberate their caucuses from party-line voting,

There's no doubt that there are many people on both sides who want to fight. That's their principal objective: Gear up the troops, go out and raise money and justify your existence as a special-interest group.