Staffers for both GOP senators have told our readers unequivocally that it wasn't Hatch or Corker that placed the hold on the nomination of Neil Barofsky to be inspector general for the bailout money.

So what have we learned so far?

Seven senators' offices have said unequivocally that they're not responsible: Coburn, Dole, Allard, Coleman, Warner, Hatch, and Corker.

In addition, staffers for four more -- Shelby, Sessions, Inhofe, and Bond -- have given versions of "not to my knowledge", meaning these senators probably aren't prime suspects, though they can't be definitively struck from the list.

That leaves 38 more from whom we've yet to hear anything. (Remember, until January there are still 49 GOP senators.)

Meanwhile, we've left two messages with the office of Jim Bunning, the Kentucky GOP senator who during a recent hearing expressed his opposition to Barofsky's appointment, but have heard nothing back.

Maybe our Bluegrass state readers will have more luck...