Some liberal groups see the possible rule change in the Senate to confirm Judge Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court as a win for them, whether he ends up confirmed or not.
They say that Republicans may regret using the nuclear option to change the rule to delete the minority party's filibuster.
"Let's be clear: The decision to blow up the Senate is squarely in the hands of Republicans, and Republicans alone. And it will be only Republican votes who change the rules," said Kaylie Hanson, spokeswoman for NARAL Pro-Choice America.
If Republicans change the rules, they will be doing so for President Donald Trump, whose campaign is under active investigation for ties to Russia, Hanson added.
Outside groups are taking aim at Republican lawmakers that are considered vulnerable in 2018, such as Sen. Jeff Flake of Arizona and Dean Heller of Nevada.
The People's Defense released digital ad campaigns in Arizona, Alaska, Maine, Nevada, and South Carolina that said: "History is watching." The Progressive Change Campaign Committee targeted Flake, Heller, and Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas.
However, some Democrats have called for caution against Gorsuch.
Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., warned that someone more seriously concerning — such as Attorney General Jeff Sessions or EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt — could be put in Gorsuch's place if he is not confirmed.
"If we go down this road, we will undermine the minority's ability to check this administration and all those who follow," Bennet said.
Cases concerning religion, guns, and big business await Gorsuch if he is confirmed. The justices will begin hearing new rounds of oral arguments April 17.
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