"Four times during this past congressional session, Senate Republicans have blocked voting rights legislation....
"This time, however, there need be no dispute, for the filibuster should not be applicable or even relevant. The text, history, and judicial interpretation of Article 1 Section 4 of the Constitution, the 'Election Clause,' decide this issue, and no procedural rule such as the filibuster--and probably not even a statute--can impose any limitation or additional requirements on what is in the Constitution: 'The Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof; but the Congress may at any time by Law make or alter such Regulations, except as to the Places of choosing Senators.'"
At www.thenation.com
