The American Spectator

Washington Prowler

p> TOM FOOLERY br> Democrats who have publicly stated their support for the nomination of Bush appeals court nominee Miguel Estrada are taking heavy heat from Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle and his leadership team. /p>

Sens. John Breaux, Zell Miller and Ben Nelson have said they support Estrada and they've declined to support a full filibuster of his nomination.

"They've been told that if they step too far out of line with the party there will be recriminations," says a Democratic leadership staffer.

But on the face of it, there doesn't appear to be much that Daschle could do to any of them. There are no committee chairmanships at stake, no rewards to hand out or withdraw.

"In the end, we just have to trust that they will support Estrada when the time comes to vote," says a Republican leadership staffer. "There isn't much Daschle can do to them, but they do have party responsibilities. We're counting on them, though. Estrada needs their support."

As a lameduck, Miller in particular is expected to stand tall for Estrada.

p> NATO CRACKDOWN

topics:
Military, NATO