No, you don't understand how it works. Look at the article above: already, some GOP senators have changed their minds, recanting their initial opposition. The Republicans are under pressure--the Democrats can wait them out. They can hold their position, and it will be the Republicans, who have this war tied around their neck, who will be forced to cede ground. A logical outcome, I'll add, since they're in the minority.

Of course, Republicans could refuse to give up out of sheer ideological stubbornness, in which case they'd be even more disconnected with mainstream America's opinion. But I don't think they'll be able to do it, too many factors are against them.