The debate will no doubt be heated and at times contentious. The debate in the Senate is only one part of the lengthy process.

He could debate an issue more articulately than anyone I've seen in my 22 years in the Senate.

I don't anticipate the Senate will leave it intact.

I think it will pass next week. It fell apart when the Lt. Governor adjourned the senate because they did not have a quorum.

The problem will be finding floor time, especially in the Senate, where Supreme Court nominations, appropriations bills, (budget) reconciliation, and post-Katrina/Rita measures leave little time for anything else, ... Steroids are likely to carry over to next year.

This vote today in committee means that Judge Roberts will be voted on on the Senate floor next week, possibly on Thursday, and he is all but certain to be approved by a majority larger than 60 votes,