The identity of those with whom the San Diego congressman met while wearing the wire remains unclear, and is the source of furious--and nervous--speculation by congressional Republicans. A Cunningham lawyer, K. Lee Blalack, refused to confirm or deny the story, and wouldn't say whether Cunningham will implicate any other members of Congress. The FBI is believed to be continuing its probe of defense contractors involved in the Cunningham case. An FBI spokesman declined comment. Asked whether Cunningham, an ace Navy fighter pilot decorated for his service in Vietnam, had worn a wire, the spokesman said the response from a higher-up was, "Like I'd tell you."

While the sphincter factor is sweeping Washington because of Jack Abramoff's rolling over on everybody he handed money to, it must be doubly tight today.

Republicans never cease to amaze me. Proof that they eat their own when the going gets tough.

And so it goes....