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Surrender is the final act, and in Estrada's case, is signaled when the GOP pulls the matter off the floor, but not before
Unless they go 24/7 after the a failing cloture vote they will be pulling from the floor.

Normally, I would agree with you both, however, there is also the tool of the Recess Appointment.

If it gets to the point where the nomination is pulled, then as soon as Congress goes on any vacation, Bush can make a Recess Appointment, and after two years, Estrada will have the judicial record that the Democrats claim he doesn't have now. If, in two years, Bush in his second term re-nominates Estrada again, the Democrats (those who are left) would have to contend with his newly established judicial record.

That, I believe, is the ultimate end-game.

-PJ

If, in two years, Bush in his second term re-nominates Estrada again, the Democrats (those who are left) would have to contend with his newly established judicial record.

If Estrada was seated by recess appointment, left-wing special interest groups, at the quiet urging of the Democrats, would do their best to bring "controversial" matters before the Circuit Court in order to test Estrada's "judicial philosophy". They would do this to get ammo for the next confirmation hearing, and it almost doesn't matter what Estrada does, the scumbags will spin it to fit their arguments. Plus, they would see a nomination following a recess appointment as an opportunity to avenge Bill Lann Lee. I really hope it doesn't come down to a recess appointment. I also think that the recess appointment strategy would be a loser because it would soften the blow of anti-Latino charges against the scumbags. It would definitely be a lot better politically (for the Republicans) if Estrada was to be sent home empty-handed after getting obstructed from a full Senate vote because of an ignominious filibuster by the scumbags.

Bush can make a Recess Appointment . . . in his second term re-nominates Estrada again, the Democrats (those who are left) would have to contend with his newly established judicial record.
That, I believe, is the ultimate end-game.

I respectfully disagree. The principle issue here is Senate process, not Estrada. Either the GOP stands firm, and gets a vote on the candidate, or the GOP caves and permits a minority of Senators to circumvent the "majority advise and consent" role for judicial nominees.

It is somewhat interesting that the process of Presidential nomination, and Senate advise and consent; for judges below the Supreme Court, are called out in legislation, and not in the Constitution. I think the GOP should be taking a look at 28 USC and considering a bit of clarification; memorialized in the law books with the Democrat party being the reason for the change.

A recess appointment is the equivalent of a white flag or becoming French. You are right though that the political calculation for the rats is to choose between possibly losing key seats in next election or lose general support from key groups who ultimately have no where else to go.

At least the internal battle for the Rats will keep them somewhat distracted from uniting themselves.