I think that not only is the President going to close ranks with them and fight, but he and Delay are gonna press forward on some things and hurt them real bad this time. Rove as Bush's advisor is sort of a modern day Machiavelli or Lord Francis Wallsingham (Chief advisor to Queen Elisabeth I)kind of character and these antics of the Dems demands a ruthless response. They have pushed too far this time , they know it and are bracing for the onslaught that is going to hit them. It will come from moderates and conservatives from their own ranks too. Consider Joe Lieberman's criticisms to these charges the Dems are making is identical to those of the Pres and Republicans to the detail. Joe seems to be very disgusted with left wing of his party these days. The wrath of Bush and Delay on this is going to be fierce and its not going to be pretty.
There is a lot of potential if Republicans stick true to their roots that they could turn 2006 into a bloodbath for Democrats which in my opinion they deserve if for nothing else than for putting themselves and their politics against our soldiers.