With the GOP leadership in the Senate considering a move to stifle dissent and trample the minority by ridding the chamber of judicial filibusters -- which have occurred historically, like in 1968 when Republicans filibustered the nomination of Abe Fortas -- Democratic Leader Harry Reid has pledged to do whatever he can to dissuade the Republicans. The AP's David Espo, who has been doing an exemplary job covering the Social Security debate in recent weeks, has the story.

Democrats served notice Tuesday that they will slow or stop most Senate business if Republicans unilaterally change the rules to assure confirmation of President Bush's controversial court appointments.

Any such change would mark "an unprecedented abuse of power," Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., wrote Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn.

Reid, the Democratic leader, exempted military and national security legislation from the threat, and said Democrats would not block passage of measures needed to assure continuation of critical government services.

This is a extremely shrewd move by Reid on two levels. First, by threatening to stop the Senate, the Nevada Senator shows he is willing to go to almost any length to block the GOPon this horrible measure. Equally impressive is his decision to exepmt both military funding and critical government services.

When Newt Gingrich shut down the government in 1995, his subsequent loss of support among the American people occurred when citizens realized they wanted Social Security checks, the Post Office, etc. By leaving such services out of a broad-based shut down of the Senate, Reid negates the risk of undercutting his support among the American people.

The Democrats are wise to pick their battles, and Reid's decision here is correct because his party can win on this issue. As Chris Bowers has noted over at MyDD.com, the Democrats have the support of the American people. With firm resolution and determination by the Democrats in the Senate, George W. Bush and his allies in the Senate won't be able to stampede over the will of the American people just yet.