The Hill's Alexander Bolton reports that Republicans think they've found a “loophole” in the reconciliation process that would allow them to block a vote on health care legislation:

Republicans say they have found a loophole in the budget reconciliation process that could allow them to offer an indefinite number of amendments.

Though it has never been done, Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.) says he's prepared to test the Senate's stamina to block the Democrats from using the process to expedite changes to the healthcare bill.

...

Another option for Democrats would be to seek a ruling by the parliamentarian that Republicans are simply filing amendments to stall the process. But such a ruling could taint the final healthcare vote and backfire for Democrats in November.

...

DeMint said he's ready to try anything.

“You'll see Republicans do everything they can to delay and stop this process,” DeMint said. “They need to get the message the track they're on is the wrong track.”

Let me get this straight: Republicans may uffer an “indefinite number of amendments” simply to “test the Senate's stamina” and “block the Democrats from using the process” -- but if Democrats seek a parliamentarian's ruling on whether the Republicans are simply trying to “stall the process,” the tactic may “backfire” on the Democrats and “taint” the vote?

Put another way: DeMint directly says Republicans will “do everything they can to delay and stop this process” -- but The Hill thinks the Democrats would be out of line if they ask the parliamentarian to rule on whether the Republicans “are simply filing amendments to stall the process.” What?!? Republicans are bragging that they're stalling the process!