Congress has yet to do anything productive so far this year (still more junkets to squeeze in before the Inauguration and the State of the Union), but already mischief is afoot on Capitol Hill. Senator John McCain (R-Arizona) was forced to step down as Commerce Committee chairman because of party term limits, but he has consoled himself with the fact that he could bump aside Conrad Burns (R-Montana) and head up the Communications Subcommittee. That would allow him to stay plugged in to the telecom and mass media issues he finds so compelling. However, according to Communications Daily (subscription required), new Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) wants to keep telecom close to his vest, and is considering folding the Communications Subcommittee. To do so, he'll have to get a majority of the committee to agree; here's betting McCain's a 'no' vote. Grab some popcorn and enjoy the show.