You can look back in history and see how this same situation has fallen on both sides of the fence and both parties have reacted in much the same manner . ( good or bad )

61 of Clinton's nominees were shot down in the back rooms without an up or down vote on the floor of the senate.

The Dems have given Bush 208 of his nominees without any hesitation. They aren't happy with 95%, they want total control and that is dangerous.

These tools were devised in the senate for both parties to use in the event of a mad, power hungry majority running roughshod over the congress and the people. It was created to protect checks and balances and this means nothing to the dipwads on the right as long as it suits their purpose.