Reply #4: I can't answer most of your questions but will take a stab at the last.

[damntexdem]

Consider what the outcry would be were Siegelman first. Instead, the first big case under Holder is a prosecution of a GOP senator by a GOP-led, hyper-partisan Justice Department. After this, there is no guarantee that the Siegelman case will be considered; but if it is, the ground has been shifted. No, the Steven's case would not prevent RW hissy fits if the Siegelman case is investigated, and especially if there are prosecutions of prosecutors and their cronies; but the response to any such hissy fits would be much easier for the Administration.