I'm sure you have heard this before but he hasn't had the votes. The man isn't just fighting the Democrats, he's fighting members of his own party. The Senators not to trust are Hagel and McCain. (I give the Senators from Maine and Chafee a pass, they probably are actually representing their constituents.)
When the Republicans call me for money I ask them if it's for the Senate...if it is, I ask them for a line item veto so I can check off those I don't want to support. To me that's the message that we need to get to them.
Personally, I don't care about the votes. I'd rather try and lose than never try at all. That shows conviction.