Senator-Elect Ken Salazar appeared on "Face the Nation" yesterday. He vowed to fight any attempt by the Republicans to limit filibusters. At issue is the Democrats' ability to block the confirmation of President Bush's most conservative judges, particularly those who are judicial activists and may vote to overturn Roe v. Wade:

"I think it's going to be a bloody fight, and I would hope that it can be avoided," said Salazar, one of three Senate freshmen interviewed on the show. He suggested President Bush should head off battles by consulting with both parties before making nominations. .... "To abandon a precedent which has been a part of the history of the U.S. Senate for more than two centuries is something that we ought not to do," Salazar said.

Salazar is hopeful that bipartisan legislation can be passed on issues involving Iraq, social security and immigration reform. If Salazar can bridge the gap between Democrats and Republicans, particularly with respect to Republicans who favor privatization of social security and denial of benefits to undocumented workers, more power to him. My advice: don't hold your breath. The Republicans may be holding the stronger cards, but the Democrats still know how to play the game.