On verge of Senate control, GOP may keep easier filibuster rule it bitterly opposed last year

By ALAN FRAM, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans may be ready to give Democrats some of their own medicine on Senate filibusters.

Filibusters are delaying tactics that the GOP has used to oppose many of President Barack Obama's nominations. Last November, Democrats forced the Senate to replace its longtime threshold of 60 votes to end the delays with a weaker, simple majority requirement.

Senate Republicans will meet next week to discuss the issue. But several Republicans say they think they will decide to keep the lower standard.

Keeping the eased requirement would make it harder for Democrats to block nominees should Republicans win the White House and retain the Senate in the 2016 elections.

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