The Saga of Congressthing William Jefferson (D-LA) continues apace.

When we last saw our hero, he was making an ass of himself at a post-Katrina hearing and commandeering some National Guard troops in New Orleans to do devil-knows-what.

Will he cut a plea deal or will he chance a criminal trial? Once upon a time I would have bet on a trial because the fix is usually in when you are talking Democrass malfeasance. But when Washington's other newspaper does a political eulogy on one of The Party of Blasphemy, Buggery, and 'Bortion's minions, something is definitely up.

Around Washington, Rep. William J. Jefferson nurtured a reputation as a serious, even wonkish, lawmaker, a grade-school dropouts' son who graduated from Harvard Law School and was elected Louisiana's first black congressman since Reconstruction.

Then came the allegations last August that Jefferson had orchestrated a corruption scheme. Federal investigators are targeting the Democratic congressman, 58, for allegedly demanding cash and other favors for himself and relatives, in exchange for using his congressional clout to arrange African business deals. A former aide recently pleaded guilty to bribing Jefferson and is cooperating with authorities, and sources familiar with the case say a plea agreement with the lawmaker is being explored.

Jefferson's world is toppling. Tall and lean, he at times has looked ashen as he walks the halls of the Capitol. Those who know him describe him as shellshocked by the turn of events. Depending on Jefferson's fate, his central New Orleans district -- badly damaged by Hurricane Katrina and in need of effective representation in Washington -- could face a rowdy special election. The political scene is so chaotic that Republicans believe they could win the gerrymandered Democratic seat.