Senate Confirms Owen (With Two Dem Votes)

On a 56-43 vote that went almost straight down party lines, Priscilla Owen was confirmed today for the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

I say “almost” because the man who just needs to suck it up and come over to our side – Rhode Island Senator Lincoln Chafee – had the wisdom and guts to defy President Bush by voting against Owen's confirmation.

Inexplicably, Democratic warhorse Robert Byrd voted in favor of Owen, as did Senator Mary Landrieu of Louisiana.

I'm not sure what was on Byrd's mind but, when it comes to Landrieu, I'm glad we have lots of time to shop Bayou Country for another candidate before she comes up for reelection in 2008.

Maybe Senate Majority Leader Frist will trade us a Chafee for a Landrieu, and a DINO to be named later.