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Richard Cochrane is trained in chemistry and metallurgy but is far more interested and practiced as a political and fund raising consultant, writer and amateur historian. He grew up in a Navy family and with his two younger brothers carried on its 500+ year tradition of naval service to Great Britain and the USA then enjoyed a career with one of the largest advertising and public relations agencies working with numerous Fortune 500 companies and many of America's premier educational institutions. He maintains friendships and acquaintanceships around the world. He lives in Santa Barbara, California.

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Chambliss Win Wrecks Democrat Dream Of One Party Government

December 2nd, 2008 • Richard Cochrane
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Minnesota Recount Between Coleman and Franken Rendered Mostly Moot.

Incumbent Senator Saxby Chambliss (R) Georgia defeated his Democrat challenger by nearly a 3 to 2 margin in a Tuesday, December 2nd runoff and thereby blocking a filibuster proof Democrat Congress that by procedural law could pass whatever legislation it desires emasculating Republican opponents from stopping it. It requirses 60 votes to end debate on any bill and the Chambliss win elimintes that possibility. A Coleman win adds another vote to continue debate.

The Chambliss win renders the Minnesota U. S. Senate race moot. It is still in recount between incumbant Norm Coleman (R) and unfunny man Al Franken (D) wiith Coleman hanging on to the slimmest margin.

A filibuster, or “talking out a bill“, is a form of obstruction in a legislature or other decision-making body. An attempt is made to infinitely extend debate upon a proposal in order to delay the progress or completely prevent a vote on the proposal taking place.

The term ‘filibuster’ was first used in 1851. It was derived from the Spanish filibustero meaning ‘pirate’ or ‘freebooter’. This term had in turn evolved from the French word flibustier, which itself evolved from the Dutch vrijbuiter (freebooter). This term was applied at the time to American adventurers, mostly from Southern states, who sought to overthrow the governments of Central American states, and was transferred to the users of the filibuster, seen as a tactic for pirating or hijacking debate.

A filibuster forces continued debate and often compromises and concessions. Also on Tuesday Republican Senator Melquíades Rafael “Mel” Martínez (R) Florida announced he will not reun for reelection instantly setting off a campaign for a Democrat win there in 2010.

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