Even though the filibuster has been used predominantly against Democratic initiatives - as a tool of minority "negative" power, this should not be surprising - Democrats have no desire to get rid of the filibuster rule. They could easily do so with a simple majority at the beginning of the next (112th) session, but apparently have no intention of doing so, according to Congressional newspaper The Hill:
Five Senate Democrats have said they will not support a lowering of the 60-vote bar necessary to pass legislation. Another four lawmakers say they are wary about such a change and would be hesitant to support it...
“It won’t happen,” said Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), who said she would “probably not” support an effort to lower the number of votes needed to cut off filibusters from 60 to 55 or lower.
Sen. Daniel Akaka (D-Hawaii) echoed Feinstein: “I think we should retain the same policies that we have instead of lowering it.
“I think it has been working,” he said.
Sen. Mark Pryor (D-Ark.) said he recognizes his colleagues are frustrated over the failure to pass measures such as the Disclose Act, campaign legislation that fell three votes short of overcoming a Republican filibuster Tuesday.
“I think as torturous as this place can be, the cloture rule and the filibuster is important to protect the rights of the minority,” he said. “My inclination is no.”
The filibuster is used to protect the perogatives and fiefdoms of Senators, who aren't likely to give them up easily. Even the prospects of more easily passing the President's agenda doesn't attract Senators much, since their eyes are trained toward their home constituencies, which are not always attuned to such things. Other countries with stronger party systems (almost every advanced democracy in the world, that is) scratches their head in wonder at our amazing gridlock and undisciplined parties. Thank the founding fathers, who believed that checks and balances would prevent "tyranny of the majority" while still allowing some policy to be made. At this point, their theory is being severely tested.
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