Republicans forget a basic principle of corrupt politics

From the NYT, this report on the Miers nomination

Mr. Dobson, the influential founder of the conservative evangelical group Focus on the Family, has said he is supporting Ms. Miers's nomination in part because of something he has been told but cannot divulge.

And this reply from the Senate:

In response to a later question, Mr. Specter added, "If there are back-room assurances and if there are back-room deals and if there is something which bears upon a precondition as to how a nominee is going to vote, I think that's a matter that ought to be known by the Judiciary Committee and the American people."

It's a pretty basic idea, really: Back room deals are supposed to occur in back rooms, so people don't find out about them. You do not, after making a back room deal, get on the radio and all but announce that you have made a back room deal.

Sheesh, its like tyhe Republicans have gotten so flustered they don't even remember the basics of their own job.