Defying the rules

One of the reasons the nuclear option is so deplorable is that it forces the Senate to defy the rules:

Also, some Democrats have advanced evidence that the GOP gambit lacks support from the Senate parliamentarian, the official who typically rules on what is allowable under the chamber's rules and precedents.

Reid told reporters last month that the parliamentarian, Alan S. Frumin, had told him that he opposed the Republicans' plan and that "if they do this, they will have to overrule him."

Frumin, who was appointed by Republican leaders in 2001, has not been granting interviews. But a senior Republican Senate aide confirmed that Frist does not plan to consult Frumin at the time the nuclear option is deployed. "He has nothing to do with this," the aide said. "He's a staffer, and we don't have to ask his opinion."

The Senate parliamentarian has little power, if any. But that seems like a pretty cold and callous attitude to take towards a guy who's life is basically devoted to knowing these sorts of things, isn't it?

Frumin's job is to know, and even he says the Republican power grab goes against the Senate rules. Only time will tell the outcome.

*UPDATE* Here's more on why they called it the nuclear option.