I’ll give credit where credit is due.  The Republicans have been doing a solid job of resisting socialism here lately.  I suspect, however, they only thought they were throwing another garden-variety political hand grenade when they introduced a resolution to open an ethics investigation into the leadership over Massa’s behavior.  I suspect, however, they didn’t realize they dropped a bombshell instead.

I’m glad there’s going to be an investigation, because some accountability is due.  However, it would be naive to assume the Democrats have collectively become more ethical and then acted upon it in this instance to the point of a blowout vote.  Politically, they had enough cover to say “Well yes, Massa was corrupt.  It’s why we forced his resignation” and the MSM would have done the rest after they had defeated the Republicans’ call for more.

Except that Massa wasn’t the purpose of that vote.  Massa was just the pretext.  The Democrat leadership, and specifically Pelosi, were the purpose of that vote.  The Republicans didn’t just hand themselves a victory due to the ethics panel, but they gave the beleaguered House Democrats leverage against Pelosi.

I’ve been suggesting they get rid of Pelosi for a few days now, but where they have her now is worse.  They can hold ethics violations over her head, which means she can no longer threaten them with impunity.  It’s hard to twist arms when the answer is some variation of “Why no, I haven’t decided yet.  How are you weathering that investigation?”

That is the bombshell I mentioned.  Now, in an election year, when Pelosi’s grasp on her caucus was already slipping, a lot of scared Democrats wishing to not make suicidal votes have a means of threatening her right back.  If this turns out to be the case, expect televised grandstanding in the ethics committee as they prolong this “investigation” both to maximize their own “ethics cred” and push Pelosi to or over the edge of losing her career.  Either that, or a quick finish ending Pelosi’s speakership with another blowout vote that also makes a vicious example to her successor.

If you get too pushy, you better be as pure as the wind-driven snow.

Yes, a few more Democrats than otherwise would have escaped the coming electoral wrath of 2010 might capitalize on this opportunity to save their seats.  However, if they cripple Pelosi for it, that’s less damaging legislation she can whip through the House.  They’re not going to want to make more electorally suicidal votes now that she’s less of a threat.  It’s a tradeoff I’m more than happy to take until a better position comes along.

Until then, enjoy the fact that Pelosi will spend what little is left of her tenure enduring the smiles and greetings of her fellows as she realizes what’s going through their minds.

Nice speakership you have there, Pelosi.  It would be a shame if something unethical happened to it…