A Primer On Filibusters

Steve Chaggaris Explains The Issues In The Senate Filibuster Fight

(CBS) 
The Politics
Both liberal and conservative interest groups have been fired up on this issue, none more so than conservative evangelical Christian groups, which have not only attacked Democrats but have very publicly put pressure on undecided Republicans who they deem "weak" and "squishy."

Groups such as Focus on the Family and the Family Research Council have gone so far as to say that GOP senators like Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania and John McCain of Arizona owe them and President Bush for helping in their re-election efforts last year.

Family Research Council president Tony Perkins says his group is paying close attention and will make sure the undecideds are held accountable if they don’t play ball with Frist.

The Bigger Picture
Some feel that this discussion of eliminating filibusters on judicial nominees is just a setup for a larger fight: a potential Supreme Court vacancy.

A vacancy "is going to be the mother of all battles," Focus on the Family founder James Dobson predicted in March.

Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., voiced his suspicions Monday, saying he thinks "the White House wants to force the nuclear option on the Senate because it wants to clear the way for a Supreme Court nominee who only needs 51 votes instead of one who needs 60 votes."

But all this talk about changing Senate rules and the overheated debate over filibusters has even some conservatives calling for a time out.

Former federal judge Kenneth Starr, best known for his role as the independent counsel investigating President Clinton in the 1990s, told CBS News Correspondent Gloria Borger the fight has gone way too far.

Starr said those involved in the debate should "just reduce the heat, lower voices and be a little bit more reasoned in our discussion."

"I think that's what the American people want. They’re sick and tired of 'Crossfire' politics when it comes to the judiciary."