I mean, it's been tough on them, what with the Bush administration such a floundering embarrassment.

And let's not forget those high-flyin' GOP power brokers (like Tom DeLay) who've been cast under some very dark legal, and ethical, clouds.

So the far right-wingers have had to find solace where they could.

And they've found it in none other than Rep. Jim McDermott.

Affectionately known as "Baghdad Jim" in neo-con circles, McDermott recently lost an appeals court ruling on a phone call he leaked to news organizations back in 1996.

That'd be the call the helped knock the political pins out from under the once powerful Speaker of the House, who once was one by the name of Newt Gingrich.

Anyway, McDermott could end up paying about $700,000 in fines for letting the American people in on Newt's plot to put one over on the House Ethics Committee.

Weird, huh: McDermott getting hammered for standing on the principal that people have a right to know what's going on in government?

Instead of being rewarded, he's being penalized.

And that is why neo-cons are so darn giddy.

Of course, McDermott can still appeal.

I hope he does.

It'd be fun to see those smirks wiped off so many conservative faces.

Want to share your thoughts with Ken Schram? You can e-mail him at kenschram@komo4news.com

And be sure to catch Ken Schram and John Carlson on their new radio show, "THE COMMENTATORS." Airing Monday through Friday, from 10 till noon on KOMO 1000, Ken and John will be delving into news of the day offering their own particular brand of insight and perspective - with a healthy dose of irreverence and humor thrown in for good measure. s