McLame wants to be Prez. If he were seen blocking a qualified conservative for the SCOTUS, that would end his chances once and for all. I think anyone who looks carefully at the politics know Hagel, McLame and the rest of the RINOs would have to roll over for Bush. Now they don't. He gave them an unqualified wus, a FOB(Friend of Bush).
Since WHEN did McCain ever give a damn about conservatives? He thinks he can win in the middle because he thinks the media loves him, not realizing that the media uses him like a rented mule.
I think anyone who looks carefully at the politics know Hagel, McLame and the rest of the RINOs would have to roll over for Bush.
I think you need to look at recent history, namely the Group of 14. THEY set the parameters now for the nomination process. THEY broke Dem filibusters but also took the nuclear option away from the GOP.
And power is a funny thing - once a politician has it, they are loathe to give it up. The Gang of 14 now has almost absolute power over the parameters of the nomination process. They will stick together. And they are moderates. A RINO distrusts a strict constructionist as much as a Dem. They would not vote to confirm someone like JRB for SCOTUS. As an appeals court judge, her rulings can be overturned by SCOTUS. But once she's on the Supremes, that's it. That's the final word. And they will not willingly let a professed strict constructionist on the court.