This is probably closer to the truth. He would likely have enough from across the isle to withstand a filibuster. They already know the next SCOTUS appointee will be pro-life, anti-gay marriage--well, maybe Trump's sister, but that might be more of a long shot now. Anyway, what difference does it make which pro-life, anti-gay marriage SCOTUS nominee they choose, except that for THIS one, the Senate can get rid of one of the most hated Senators I've ever seen.
Yup.
The Senate would love to dump him and put him in a position where he can be as loud as he wants without anyone really caring. Honestly, he would have a better chance at embarrassing himself from the bench than your average SCOTUS justice.
Plus, the Dems who don't like Roberts, Alito, and Thomas would love to have them stuck in a room with Teddy.