DUH.

Roll Call reports that Sen. Reid (D-Nev.) and Rep. Pelosi (D-Cal.) plan to unveil a [congressional ethics] package on Wednesday....

--Paul Kiel at TPM Cafe last Thursday

Yeah, that's just brilliant: give the Republicans nearly a week's notice, so they can beat you to the punch by a day:

House Republicans moved to seize the initiative for ethics reform Tuesday with a comprehensive package of changes, including the banning of privately sponsored travel like that arranged by convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff.

The package also includes a virtual ban on gifts, except for inconsequential items like baseball caps, and a provision that will affect few people: elimination of congressional pensions for anyone convicted of a felony related to official duties....

Democrats, who have adopted a "culture of corruption" theme in a drive to oust Republicans from control of Congress, intend to unveil this week a proposed ban on lobbyists' gifts to lawmakers....

Caught flatfooted. Again. Are the Democrats actually trying to ensure that they get as little political advantage from this scandal as possible?