Senator Ted Kennedy says labor, civil rights groups and others interested in checking corporate and Republican power should pay close attention to the expected attempt next week by Republicans to end the filibuster rules in the U.S. Senate. Kennedy this is a dangerous power grab by Republicans that will have broad and adverse impact on our system of checks and balances on political power.

[Sen. Ted Kennedy] : "Every American should know that we're facing a confrontation of historic proportions in the coming days on the Senate floor. If the Republican leadership succeed in breaking the rules of the senate to change the rules of the senate we will have a reverse revolution that could turn back the clock 229 years to the time when we were subjects
of a king with absolute power."

Democratic national Committee Chair Howard Dean says if Republicans succeed in ending the Senate filibuster more than just routine judicial nominees are at stake.

[Howard Dean]: "It affects the Supreme Court of the United States. This is a Republican power grab."

Senator Kennedy says right now there are 49 firm votes to block the GOP action with 7 Republicans undecided.