We’ll see, John, you could be right, but there must be some reason that Senator Frist chose to sneak the legislation through in the way he did.

On the more general point, I wouldn’t underestimate the cumulative effect of legislation such as this on what little is left of the GOP’s credibility as a small government party. Internet gambling alone may not do the trick, but throw in everything else…

Now, you might say that for small government fans to switch their support (either actively, or simply by staying at home) to the Democrats, who, incredible as it would seem, would be even worse than Frist-Hastert, is irrational, but show me someone who believes that voters always vote rationally and I’ll show you a fool.