Bayh: Lower filibuster threshold

The Senate should reform the filibuster as a way to end partisan gridlock, Sen. Evan Bayh (D-Ind.) said today.

Bayh, who cited partisanship and incivility as reasons for his retirement, said the filibuster has been used by the Republican minority too frequently.

"Now it's being routinely used to frustrate even low level presidential appointees," Bayh told MSNBC. So perhaps the threshold should be lowered again."

Bayh noted that the Senate had previously lowered the threshold for ending debate to 60 votes from 67. The Indiana Democrats said it may be time to lower that to 55. 

"It's just brought the process to a halt and the public is suffering," Bayh said.

Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) has introduced legislation to gradually lower the filibuster barrier over time. However, Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) said this morning it would be "foolish" to alter the filibuster and that there was nothing wrong with partisanship.