New FEC Maneuvers: Von Spakovsky To Get Separate Vote

In a bid to end the stalemate caused by his own stubborn intransigence, President Bush re-worked his FEC nominations and has apparently cut a new deal with Senate leadership that would allow for a separate vote on the divisive Hans Von Spakovsky nomination. This follows the prior reach out that Sen. Harry Reid did at the end of April to try and move things along to fill the multiple FEC vacancies in a presidential election year.

For those who need background on just why Mr. Von Spakovsky is so reviled among decent people who value a fair election, see here, here, here, here, here, here here, here, here and here for starters. Just a peek into the GOP's odious voter suppression void.

Up until now, the Bush Administration -- and their personal administration toady, Mitch McConnell, who has ties to Von Spakovsky himself -- have vehemently prevented a separate vote on the controversial Mr. Von Spakovsky. But no longer.

Which makes me wonder a number of things. What does this mean for the federal election law-breaking McCain? Especially if Von Spakovsky doesn't get through the process -- which is much more likely on a separate vote? What does this mean in terms of a head count -- Mitch McConnell is highly competitive and hates to lose at anything, so what is he promising to gain the votes he needs to foist a voter suppression tactic guru onto the FEC? And what, if anything, is the Democratic leadership doing to counter this?

Or, in the alternative, is Von Spakovsky still on the list as a sop to the wingnuttiest, knowing that his nomination will likely go down in a vote -- but allowing the Bush Administration to save face by saying that they tried? And, if so, what has Von Spakovsky been promised as a pay off at the end of this for going through the public humiliation motions and taking one for the team? Is Scooter about to get a new pal at the Hudson Institute or some other wingnut welfare shop? Inquiring minds and all that...