Actually the Republicans had no choice. Time magazine had reported on the illegal contributions three days before. As these things go, it was only a pittance, small change for Lippo, say, but it was just what the Democrats needed. Finally they could say, even if we did something wrong, the Republicans did it, too. This was mere sleight of hand, but no matter.
Appearance is what counts.
House Democrats have asked Janet Reno for an investigation of the Republicans' Hong Kong connection. John Glenn, the ranking Democrat on the Senate committee that is looking into campaign funding practices, wants the committee to issue twelve new subpoenas. But beware when a senior Democrat sounds bipartisan. The Republican problem, whatever it may be, is not the same as the Democrats. The various scandals are having an effect.