And don't forget that the clock is ticking on these people.

Regardless of what Mukassey does or doesn't do in response to direct orders from the White House, every political Master at the Justice Department will be unemployed shortly after the next election. And any public servant who hitches onto the wrong ride now has ended their career.

Mukassey probably views these people as the dregs of the B team - no competent manager sends anyone they think is important to them off to such a thing - and these guys may be career-over even if Mukassey is forced to let them keep on for a few more months.

If the Justice Department appeals this now, when would a ruling from the Supreme Court finally come down? No way does this get expedited - is there a chance of a ruling before the election?