[Jim Noble]

So I think several of the RINOs might find it in their political self-interest to stand tough

But it's obvious that it's in RINOs political interest to be RINOs, otherwise, why would they be there?

Take my very own Kelly Ayotte, as example #1.

She would, as a general matter (I think) not want an America destroyer on the Court.

BUT

She is terrified of being portrayed as anti-gay, anti-Muslim, anti-black, anti-brown, anti-cripple, anti-addict, anti-woman (my fingers are getting tired).

So, you can bet your bottom dollar she will vote "aye" on any nominee who fits the above profile, or any other oppressed category I haven't thought of.

And that's because her margin of victory, in the unlikely event she beats Maggie Hassan this Fall, will be older women who attend an Episcopal, Congregational, or Unitarian church and want a Senator who is "nice".

[TBP]

And they want to get re-elected. You need the Republican base to do that, so it’s in their interests in this case to stand tough.