This is just speculation, but it is possible that as the Senate evolves into a more completely elected body, the influence of political parties will become stronger than it is now, and it's already pretty strong now. As I said earlier, I don't think party discipline and the protection of minorities are really consistent things. The tendency, I think, will be to follow the national policies of the party whose support led to the election.
On April 16th, 2008. See this statement in context.