Dem candidates: time to end filibusters

If Democrats can win a few seats this cycle, they may gain at least a couple opponents of the filibuster.

Some Democratic Senate candidates are calling for an end to filibusters, in light of Sen. Jim Bunning's (R-Ky.) controversial hold on an unemployment benefits extension.

Ohio Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher said in an e-mail to supporters today: "The filibuster is doing more harm than good. Stand with me in support of ending it today — it's time we put an end to paralysis in Washington and started solving problems again."

In Colorado, Sen. Michael Bennet's (D-Colo.) primary opponent, Andrew Romanoff, also came out in favor of abolishing the maneuver today.

"We don't have a filibuster in Colorado. We don't talk bills to death; it just sometimes sounds that way," Romanoff said. "The Senate of the United States would do well to follow the lesson of the Colorado legislature and take up-or-down votes on bills rather than delaying progress on important issues like these."

Former North Carolina state Sen. Cal Cunningham, who is running for Sen. Richard Burr's (R-N.C.) seat, came out against the filibuster two weeks ago.

"Enough is enough. We cannot let a small minority in the Senate continue holding up health care reform -- and countless other initiatives supported by the American people and a majority of Senators," he said.

All three men face primary opponents.