I think Rush just like a lot of Republicans in congress went into "protect the lead" mode. Playing not to lose rather than playing for victory, well the prevent defense didn't work, and now's the time to go on offense.
Odd as he might be sometimes, Michael Savage has been critical of Republicans who don't act conservative for a long time now. Why should we listen to Rush if for all this time, he was "carrying water for people who didn't deserve it"
Savage has been screaming for leadership from the Republicans for months and month. He was critized by many on FR as not being a team player.