The Democratic party's obstructionism isn't doing its 2004 Senate candidates any favors. The filibuster has fired up GOP loyalists and, it seems, has begun to alienate some independents.
Besides, there's only so much Republicans can do with only 51 senators (including Chaffee, Snowe, Collins, Specter and McCain). Right now, it's not even clear if the "nuclear option" would garner the necessary 50 votes.
Next November, however, should bring the GOP some much-needed backup. Heck, if Dean ends up with the Democratic nomination, Republicans even might have the sixty votes necessary to break the filibuster. In any event, they definitely will be be in a much stronger position.
Forgive the cliche, but Democrats may be winning the battle, but they'll lose the war. The best they can hope for is to hold out for, maybe, another year.