Of course there is panic. The perfect storm is happening.
Strategically, if the Republicans tie in the election, the vice president becomes the tie vote which would give majority to the Democrats. A Democrat Senate would allow for a more liberal justice or the current one chosen by the President. The result, a rehearing of the case potentially with a liberal justice. EDACA and DAPA could be coming back. Provided Clinton wins, of course.
http://m.dailykos.com/story/2016/8/1...te-Republicans