Well, isn’t THIS interesting:

A federal prosecutor investigating the dismissal of nine U.S. attorneys during the Bush administration has issued a subpoena to former senator Pete V. Domenici (R-N.M.) and is preparing to interview key witnesses…

Ticketmaster, the world’s largest ticket dealer, and mega concert promoter Live Nation have merged and claim it will be a great thing for fans. But politicians are calling for an investigation of anti-trust laws with the formation of the new company.

This combination will drive measurable benefits to consumers and accelerate the execution of our strategy to build a better artist-to-fan direct distribution platform.

Judd Gregg cites irreconcilable differences as his explanation for withdrawing from the Commerce position.

But do you think maybe he just realized that his reputation wasn’t going to withstand the scrutiny of Senate appointment?

A Compendium darwinii

Bank and insurance CEOs aren’t the only ones getting rewarded for horrendous behavior in this recession. There’s Wal-Mart, whom Newsweek has now anointed as “Our Corporate Savior.” (Hat tip to dakine01.)

“Wal-Mart recently announced that its same store sales in January were up 2.1 percent, which was more than forecast. With the company’s huge network of stores and ability to strong-arm suppliers, Wal-Mart offers shoppers good merchandise at prices which becomes more and more attractive as the downturn continues.”

CNN reports Senator Judd Gregg has withdrawn from being considered for Secretary of Commerce. More as we get it.

But if the banksters are dopes, what does that make those who played along?

Like her fellow Republican (and now famed Twit-leaker) Pete Hoekstra, Susan Collins doesn’t want our nation’s intelligence professionals to be able to report fraud and wrong-doing.

Why do Republicans work so hard to protect fraud and wrong-doing?

I guess those clowns at Pajamas Media are gluttons for ridicule.

Ben Smith says today that the left is “silent on Social Security reform” even as the administration considers it, and quotes Blue Dog Jim Cooper who says Obama is “in a honeymoon phase, and many liberals are afraid to express concerns.” Atrios calls it trolling.  Perhaps it is, but there have been signs that serious Social Security reform is in the works, and people who have been briefed on the administration’s plans indicate that things like raising the age limit and cutting benefits are under consideration.