while the overriding sense of courtesy among senators has admittedly been in decline in recent years, i have never seen this level of partisan rancor when it comes to dealing with the president from an opposing party. i have never seen a party in the senate from its of leaders on down, publicly commit to not only opposing virtually every nominati nomination, but to attacking and maligning almost every singl nominee. let me be clear, ooum not suggesting that the senate start rubber stamping nominees, nor am i suggesting that any member of the senate should vote against their conscience or preference, simply out of respect for tradition or deference. what i am saying is that the same rules and processes, courtesies, and assumptions of good faith that have long been the hallmark of the senate confirmation process, especially