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"There's a limit to this "Follow the Leader" stuff for Americans who love their freedom, and a lot of us have reached that limit."

I understand how you feel.

I'm just saying some fundamental things never seem to change. If I was a betting person, and betting on her withdrawal, I would put my money squarely on if I think she is a conservative or not.

In this case you might want to ask yourself..do I feel lucky.

Are we still on this?

Just what is it that anyone thinks is going to happen? I'd like to see the Dow up about 1000 points tomorrow, but that's not going to happen and I don't bet my money that way.

What is likely? Well, start with things that are pretty certain.

1) Senators want to be re-elected.

a) If you're a GOP senator from a very red state, Miers isn't going to lose you your seat and this can be largely a non event for you. So you will bargain for a vote if it looks close enough to matter. Maybe offer a YES in return for money to your state. This is easy in the Gulf area.

b) If you're a GOP senator from a blue state you're likely a RINO. The outcry from the Right has now provided you all the cover you need among your liberal constituents to vote YES on confirmation and earn the fundraising help an Administration can give you and that you always need to win in a state that dislikes GOP anything.

c) If you're a Dem senator from a red state, you have all the cover you need to vote YES on a Bush nominee, which will please the Bush supporters in your state. The hard core right wingers were not going to vote for you anyway so you have no reason not to vote YES.

d) If you're a Dem senator from a blue state, you can do anything you want. A vote NO is a pure anti Bush vote that your constituents will not argue with. A vote YES can be bargained for to get more pork for your state. The Dem senators in c) above will give you the cover you need to make this bargain.

So, that is what looks likely to me. Given competence in the hearings, and given that she will get YES votes from all four categories above, I don't see how she can lose. And given that, why would she withdraw?