The Senate began debate today over controversial nominee (and Ann Coulter close friend) Miguel Estrada. While Estrada has been appointed to DC Appeals Court, Estrada has no judgeship or legal scholarship experience. And he refuses to explain his views on the controversial legal issues of the day (like abortion).

Oh yeah, and he was also a lead lawyer in Bush's usurpation of the people's electoral will in Bush v. Gore.

The big question, now that the GOP controls the Senate, is whether Democrats will mount a filibuster to derail the nomination. Sen. Schumer has hinted as much, though it will be interesting to see if he can get 41 other Senators to go along.

John Breaux (who desperately wants to be the party's maverick, rather than Zel Miller), has already said he will back Estrada. Nebraska Dem Ben Nelson also appears to oppose a filibuster, though he remains officially undecided. Miller will probably oppose a filibuster as well.

This one will come down to the wire.