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I seriously don't think that the a filibuster buster will hurt the Republicans in '06. It might, in fact, save Santorum's butt. The purely smart political move, pollwise, for the Democrats would be to allow the Republicans their man for the USSC. But the Democrats are not interested in the trappings of office, but power itself. And Soros, et al have their sabers to the Democrats' backs.

Prediction (if Specter plays along with Bush): The Democrats will see that Graham and even their own Nelson do not share the ideology of Chafee and Snowe. They know that 50 votes would mean success for the GOP and they try to cover their asses by not filibustering.

If Specter refuses to support Bush's pick: The nomination proceeds from the Judiciary Committee without a recommendation, and the Democrats try to play the John Bolton strategy. Believing that the Bolton strategy buys them some political cover, they attempt a filibuster, which is ultimately defeated.

It really depends on how effectively the Democrats,with the full collusion of the press and broadcast media, spin it. If they are successful in convincing enough people that the Republicans are engaging in "tearing down" the Constitution, it could be a deciding factor in some of the mid-terms. However, it is a very dangerous move for them. People are beginning to realize that the Democrats are completely bankrupt of ideas and operate by a massive double standard. As far as the Democrats are concerned, what's good for the Democrat goose is never, ever good for the Republican gander. All the Democrats bring to the table is obstructionism. They haven't offered a single idea on a major issue in five years. When Clinton thought that Social Security reform was a good idea, the Democrats were all a twitter over it. When Clinton thought that Saddam Hussein needed a thorough ass-kicking, they stood shoulder-to-shoulder with him. When George Bush suggests that the sky is blue, the Democrats kick their feet and shriek "Purple, purple, purple!" An attempt to filibuster a Supreme Court nominee could just be seen as further obstructionism and could have a negative impact. The Republicans, considering they keep winning election after election, show a surprising lack of cojones. I think that the Democratic leadership is hoping to bully and bluff enough that Bush will nominate someone who is palatable to them. I hope that Bush is smart enough to nominate Janice Rogers Brown, who will make a superb justice, and who, as a minority female, the Democrats will obstruct to their peril.