Let's Make a Deal!

As I noted earlier today, there may be a compromise in the works that could head off the nuclear option. Some updates on this story from over the course of the day:

- Senator Susan Collins of Maine, a Republican widely seen as likely to oppose the Republican leadership on the proposed rules change, told reporters "Attempts are under way" to work out a deal. "I have had discussions with colleagues in the Senate about the possibility of that. I haven't signed off on anything," said Collins.

- As for the role of Trent Lott in the proposed compromise (outlined in my previous post), his spokesperson issued a statement this afternoon saying "Senator Lott has not agreed to this deal reported today." The release added that Lott and the Benator "have been trying to see if there is common ground that could forge a resolution," but that Lott and Nelson have not spoken in recent days. Also, Susan Irby (the spokesperson) said, "[Lott has not] informed me that he has changed his contention that all judicial nominees should have an up-or-down vote on the Senate floor." Nelson's office did not return calls to Bloomberg for comment.

- Centerfield and The Yellow Line have weighed in favorably on this proposed compromise. Centerfield plays up the role of Trent Lott as going around his replacement, Bill Frist; Yellow Line discusses the potential for those senators who agree to this deal.

- Late this afternoon, Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid offered up yet another immediate compromise on the judicial confirmation issue. Saying "Let's take a step away from the precipice, let's try cooperation, rather than confrontation, which seems to be the hallmark of what we've been doing here lately," Reid said Democrats would back a vote on disputed nominee Thomas Griffith. Said Frist aide Bob Stevenson, "Why stop at one?" So helpful.

How about it, senators - are there twelve of you out there willing to put a stop to all this?