Miguel Estrada has withdrawn his name for nomination to a federal appeals court. This is a major defeat for the administration. We already know that the majority of Senators would have voted for him, had the 45 Demos not flibustered. Why didn’t the administration fight this with more vigor? This guy is smart, good, and conservative. And, he’s from Honduras! Maybe they’ll throw a few more good guys to the wolves, and then use them for ammunition for the election? Darn it.
Sorry, but he did fight it. The Senate Republicans, however, could have been more forceful in pushing Estrada, but I recall that they did that month-long "all-Estrada, all the time" and it still failed. A real-time filibuster is not practicable, especially with a 51-49 majority.
Theres not much to do under the Senate rules but guarantee revenge.
The Bush Administration and the Congressional Republicans have a truly dismal record when it comes to Hispanic nominees. Ask Linda Chavez.