If you can't beat 'em, promote 'em.

Sometimes writing about the corruption of this adminstration gets a little tiresome. Especially on weeks like this, when-- in spite of public opposition to Alito's positions-- Senate Democrats can't seem to pull themselves together.

In the latest breathtaking example of the Bushies' devotion to non-accountability, the investigation into the dealings of corrupt lobbyist Jack Abramoff took a turn for the sinister.

WASHINGTON, DC, United States (UPI) -- The chief prosecutor in the investigation of lobbyist Jack Abramoff is stepping down because President George W. Bush has nominated him to the federal bench.

The Justice Department announced Thursday that Noel Hillman, chief of the department`s public integrity division, would no longer be involved in the investigation of Abramoff, the disgraced Republican lobbyist. The administration called the appointment routine and said it would not affect the investigation, the New York Times reported.

Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., said the timing of Hillman`s nomination 'jaundices this whole process' and called for the appointment of a special prosecutor. White House spokesman Scott McClellan rejected the suggestion.

This isn't the first time someone's tried to derail investigations into Abramoff, either. In 2002, the US attorney in Guam investigating Abramoff's questionable dealings there. The day after he issued subpoenas for records involving Abramoff... he was fired.