BRIBE  (CONT)

would be a threat to Rogers' ambitions, to Hastert and DeLay's caucus discipline, and to Rove and Bush's desire to stamp down on John McCain and all his associates. The Medicare bill made available the insurace and PHARMA money the Republican establishment tried to spend to get the bill passed, but it was also valuable for using to instill loyalty in Brad Smith so he could be used to keep Joe Schwarz out of Congress.

One last thing. After months of opaque comments about his intentions, last week Joe Schwarz told the Battle Creek Enquirer that he's now inclined to run against Brad Smith and the other candidates seeking to succeed Nick Smith in Congress.

Clumsy arm-twisting indeed.