Supposedly, we "know" that we have 55 Republican votes and the VP to break ties. That means we can lose only 5 votes and no more. There's no chance of picking up a democrat vote on a partyline fight.
Who are the most conservative of the McCain 7? Supposedly, need only two of them to get a victory.
Republican Senators John McCain (Az.), Lindsey Graham (SC), Mike DeWine (Ohio), Olympia Snowe (Me.), Susan Collins (Me.), John Warner (Va.), and Lincoln Chafee (RI),
However, here's the real truth. This was the group rumored PRIOR to the actual nuclear option deal to be willing to vote AGAINST any nuclear option
(Link) Susan Collins (Maine), Chuck Hagel (Nebraska), Arlen Specter (Pennsylvania), John Warner (Virginia), Mike DeWine (Ohio), Lisa Murkowski (Alaska), John Sununu (New Hampshire)
In short, there are actually 11 Republican senators more than willing to vote AGAINST the nuclear option.
That means that SIX of the most conservative of that group must become converts.
I don't think it's possible to get anyone to the right of John Roberts confirmed, AND they will have to have nearly the same credentials and ability as Roberts.
Let's see. 78 votes. Hmmm .... we could lose 25 votes and still get a majority, or 20 votes and still have 58 in favor and probably 2 to override a filibuster.
Why do you post such alarmist nonsense?