The Orlando Sentinel’s Peter Brown writes John McCain’s leadership role in the filibuster compromise, “makes him the big winner from a mixed result.” Brown writes:

“Of course, conservatives hold great sway in the GOP nomination process, but those who see this matter as a nail in McCain's coffin misunderstand the history lesson of Republican nomination fights.”

Brown argues that when it GOP primary season arrives, McCain can remind voters of his conservative credentials, which will trump any short-term disappointments. Brown says McCain has stayed conservative where it counts:

“McCain did not cave on matters of ideology. He didn't reverse his opposition to abortion rights, vote for a major tax increase or undercut President Bush's foreign policy.”

McCain critics will argue he has in fact broken two of those traits. He has opposed Bush tax cuts and favors an increase in federal funding for stem cell research.