backfired. cruz s point of order stunt set off a chain reaction in the senate procedures. eventually allowing democratic leader harry reid to set up dozens of obama nominees to be confirmed before the senate adjourns this week. nominees who republicans hope to run out the clock on. like tony blinkin, for the deputy secretary of state. and sarah saldana to head immigration and customs enforcement. and most controversial of all, vivek murthy, president obama s nominee for surgeon general who strongly was opposed by the nra. but he was just confirmed by the senate moments ago. democrats were overjoyed. it was like christmas came early and senator cruz was santa claus. but republicans weren t as thrilled. susan collins declared it