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The #progressiveleft is already crowing happily about #mattgaetz pulling himself out of consideration for AG. Here is the current spin coming from #politicoplaybook about it: GAETZ CRASHER — MATT GAETZ has pulled out of contention to be AG, a major early blow to President-elect DONALD TRUMP’s effort to install firebrand outsiders in charge of key federal agencies. “While the momentum was strong, it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance Transition,” the former Florida congressman wrote on X. “There is no time to waste on a needlessly protracted Washington scuffle.” Though Trump tapped Gaetz to have a surefire loyalist leading a Justice Department he mistrusts, his history of personal scandals and federal investigation — culminating in this week’s controversy around the House Ethics Committee’s report — jeopardized his future nomination from the start. Widespread opprobrium for Gaetz among his Hill Republican colleagues didn’t help. His withdrawal signals that despite broad support for Trump among congressional Republicans (and talk of recess appointments), there are limits to how much senators will acquiesce before flexing their power. The latest bombshell detail comes from CNN’s Paula Reid and Sarah Ferris, who report that House Ethics was told of a second alleged sexual encounter between Gaetz and the then-17-year-old minor at the center of his probe. Gaetz has denied any wrongdoing, and DOJ’s investigation of the matter didn’t yield charges. But Reid said that Gaetz’s withdrawal came 45 minutes after CNN called to ask for comment on this. Some as-yet unanswered questions: — Will Gaetz rescind his House resignation? Yes, Gaetz resigned from the current Congress and said he did not intend to be sworn in to the seat he was elected to in the next Congress. But with no special election yet scheduled, Gaetz could conceivably change his mind and decide to serve. He might find it preferable, however, to lobby for another, non-Senate-confirmed administration job — which brings us to … — Whither the House Ethics report? The secretive committee met yesterday and decided to postpone further deliberations on releasing its allegedly salacious findings until Dec. 5. Democrats, meanwhile, are pushing to force their hand on the House floor. Gaetz’s resignation could take the air out of that effort, but the answer to this question is related to the first: If he signals he wants to come back to the House — or assume another administration job — expect a renewed push for transparency. — Whom will Trump nominate in his place? Trump now faces the unwelcome prospect of moving further down his maybe list, which he previously found sufficiently wanting that he tapped Gaetz. One possible pick, former Rep. JOHN RATCLIFFE (R-Texas), has been tapped for the CIA. Another, Sen. MIKE LEE (R-Utah.), reportedly wants to stay in the Senate. A third, MATT WHITAKER, was just announced as ambassador to NATO. Could Trump reassign former SEC Chair JAY CLAYTON, who is now tabbed to lead the DOJ’s high-profile Manhattan office, to Main Justice? Take a second look at Missouri AG ANDREW BAILEY? Or opt for a wild card like Texas AG KEN PAXTON?