The senate were constabtly rebuffing Pompey, both for his public life and private life. He suffered complete humiliation when his request to marry Cato's relation was refused. Pompey also requested that his Eastern settlement should be rattified by the senate and given to his veterans. He turned from the Optimates to the Populares to bring his land bill before the people. Pompey was sick of how he was being treated, he had just defeated Mithradates, he should have been a hero but he was being treated like a naughty child.
Crassus supported a request from a company of tax-gatherers that the senate should adjust a bad bargin which they had made contracting for the taxes of Asia. Cicero regarded the claim as disgraceful, however supported it to stop breach between senate and equites. Under Cato's leadership the suggestion got rejected.
Caesar was back from Spain after praetorship he had been enabled to take up governorship of Further Spain thanks to Crassus who helped him to satisfy his creditors before leaving. In his province he campaigned in the west, acquired money and friendship of Balbus of Gades. Tried to improve economic conditions. On return he wanted a triumph and the consulship, however he could not enter the city to stand for election so asked senate for permission to stand in absentia. Senate refused. Caesar abandoned triumph and entered city as a normal candidate.
The senate wanted concordia ordinum. They vetoed everything the three men wanted even though what they wanted was reasonable. The senate were intransigent (down right obstructive) in fear of the power the three men had. Cato talked as if he were in the Republic of Plato not sink of Romulus. The uncomprimising nature of the senate drove the three men to each other.
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