And Are They Grinning About It?

The Judiciary Committee has done it.

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Doug Mills/The New York Times
Senators Dianne Feinstein, Russell D. Feingold and Charles E. Schumer after the vote today. 

The Senate Judiciary Committee this morning endorsed the nomination of Michael B. Mukasey to be attorney general, virtually assuring his confirmation by the full Senate.

The vote was 11 to 8, with two Democrats, Senators Charles E. Schumer of New York and Dianne Feinstein of California, joining all nine Republicans on the panel in backing the nominee. Eight Democrats voted against Mr. Mukasey.

I do respect Sen. Feingold’s expression as appropriate to the occasion.