I think the outcry from conservatives/conservative Republicans is giving pause, as well, to those with "R" after their names who have been voting any way other than "R". I've read the outcry from the conservatives "shocked" the Rats and the media; it may well have also shocked the "Republicans" in elected office.
The great aspect of this nomination is that two of the most liberal Republicans in the Senate - Lincoln Chafee and Olympia Snowe are both up for re-election in 2006.
Let's hold their feet to the fire or make them suffer the consequences!