Republicans may go nuclear to end the shutdown

Something wicked this way comes. What was once a far-fetched fear is now looking increasingly plausible, even likely: That Senate Republicans will blow up the filibuster to end the government shutdown.

This would be the ultimate nuclear option, toppling the last major hurdle to single party rule in Washington.

By removing the 60-vote threshold for most Senate votes, the current Republican majority — and any future Senate majority of either party — would be empowered...