Sen. Flake Splits His Votes On Filibusters, Nominations Following Filibuster Reform Deal

Arizona's Politics has been keeping an eye on the U.S. Senate's votes on nominations after the big filibuster reform agreement, and is having a difficult time figuring out Senator Jeff Flake's (R-AZ) votes.

Flake was among the minority of Republicans to vote in favor of cloture (a.k.a. no filibuster) and then the nomination of Richard Cordray to be the Director of the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection. The votes were 71-29 and 66-34, respectively.

The next nomination was for Fred Hochberg to be the President of the Export-Import Bank.  Flake voted with the overwhelming majority (82-18) to close debate, but was one of two Republicans (Sen. Hatch being the other) to switch and vote against the nomination itself (82-17).  (It is not all that unusual to vote one way on cloture and the other on the actual issue; however, the Senator has not yet explained his feelings on the nominations.  Arizona's Politics has asked, and will supplement as needed.)

Finally today, the Senate narrowly voted (60-40) to close debate (tomorrow) on the nomination of Thomas Perez to be the Director of the Department of Labor.  Flake voted with the 39 other Republicans (out of 46) voting "nay".

Arizona's other Senator, John McCain - who helped negotiate the deal which averted filibuster reform earlier this week - voted "aye" on all six votes.

This Politico article has more on the big picture.



177:  http://1.usa.gov/16K0aMd
176: http://1.usa.gov/14fglFd
175: http://1.usa.gov/13xrjjg
174: http://1.usa.gov/13xrACB
173: http://1.usa.gov/13ktBXe






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