The Wall Street Journal looks at recent Iraq setbacks -- and recent controversial remarks by Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-NE) -- but concludes most Republicans "aren't likely" to jump ship on President Bush and his approach to the Iraq war.
The reason: "National security remains a potent unifying issue for Mr. Bush's political coalition, he retains overwhelming personal popularity among Republicans, and the party's leading candidate to succeed him strongly backs the nation's continued presence in Iraq."
In addition, those lawmakers "on the ballot in the 2006 midterm elections also know they risk alienating core supporters by bucking Mr. Bush on the security issue that is widely credited with delivering Republican gains in 2002 and 2004."