Denver, CO – It appears the Republican Senators are threatening to invoke the unpopular "nuclear option" as soon as next week. The nuclear option is most commonly known as the end to the filibuster process in the Senate.

Republicans want to invoke a nuclear option to get a few ultra-conservative judicial nominees confirmed. These nominees have already gone through the senate confirmation process during Bush's last term and failed to receive the 60 votes required for confirmation. Democrats argue that the filibuster process will be used to block confirmation of these conservative nominees because the nominees are not able to set aside their personal beliefs.

"Democrats have supported the confirmation of 208 of Bush's judicial nominations over the last five years," said Pat Waak, Chair of the Colorado Democratic Party. "There is no foundation to the Republican argument that Democrats are using the filibuster process to block Bush's nominees."

A Gallup poll released on May 9, 2005 showed that 52% of Americans support the filibuster process as a means of blocking controversial legislation or presidential appointments. The poll also showed that Americans favor the actions of Democrats over the actions of Republicans in dealing with the filibuster controversy.

57% of those polled indicated that they disapprove of the Republican plan to change the rules to eliminate the filibuster, at least in situations involving President Bush's judicial nominations.

"It is very clear that Republicans in Washington are not only disregarding the minority voice in the Senate, but now they are ignoring the American public," said Joelle Martinez, Communication Director of the Colorado Democratic Party.

Not all Republicans support implementing the nuclear option. Senator John McCain from Arizona has made it clear that he will not vote for an end to the filibuster process. In fact, McCain is now urging his fellow Republicans to cut a deal with Democrats to protect the filibuster process.

"Republicans should focus their attention on important issues facing Americans, instead of fighting for a change in the filibuster process that most Americans oppose," said Waak.