I just saw a clip on CNN of Randall Terry promising that Republicans at all levels will have "hell to pay" for cynically using the "pro-Life" movement if they don't "save" Terri Schiavo. Terry accused the GOP of using the Religious Right to gain power and then doing nothing when in power.
This is the proverbial 'tiger by the tail' for the GOP. The GOP needs its extremists to gain power, but can not reward these extremists and remain in power. And it is the main reason why Sen. Reid has drawn a line in the sand on judicial nominations - this is the politically painless way for the GOP to reward its Extremist base. Reid is "cutting them off at the pass," to use a tired cliche. (Hey, I am a proponent of the Western strategy for the Dems, heh.)
Does this portend A Conservative Crackup", as Glenn Reynolds suggests? I think it is way too early for that, but so long as Democrats continue to fight intelligently and fearlessly, keep the focus on the extreme nature of the Republican Party and its "out of the mainstream" agenda, it seems to me that the Dems are on a good trajectory for the 06 elections.