I hope I'm not simply deluded by wishful thinking, but Frist has sent out plenty of signals that the GOP senators have had it with the obstruction. I think they also realize that they can't be seen as weak against the tyrany of the minority, and continue to expect conservatives' votes.
I don't believe you are deluded.
I'm cautiously optimistic. The basic numbers have altered in "conservative" favor in the Senate, at least where the Judiciary is concerned. I do understand they were handicapped before as a "majority minority".
The trouble is that faith is earned. What the Reps have been signaling sounds good but the track record, regardless of handicaps, has been discouraging. In front of the camera it "felt" as if they weren't willing to go to the mat to stop the filibusters. Behind the scenes it may have been different but since we aren't privy to their strategy sessions we can only take our cue from what we see.
If nothing else I'm still energized by the election. I don't think this session is going to mirror the last. Only time will tell, but I do sense a change. I do believe there is cause for hope but I'm withholding full faith until they've earned it.