One place where the argument fails, is the confirmation of federal judges by the Senate, but with Republicans usually deferring to the “competency” it’s probably marginal (with the better margin of minority Republicans in the Senate would be an improvement)
In the end, it will still all come down to the Republican candidate in 2012 on the presidential level (Dole or McCain, anyone?) but, as far as the “blame game” is concerned, it may make a huge difference on the congressional and states’ elections.
Pubs can hold anyone that they want to so even then they are covered. But you are correct, with the Liberal Ladies in Maine to go with Graham who needs democrats?