Step One: Hide Bribes in Freezer. Step Two: … Step Three: Profit.

These Democrats are making it really really hard for me to shill for them.

Eight months after stripping Rep. William J. Jefferson of his seat on the Ways and Means Committee, Speaker Nancy Pelosi plans to award the lawmaker with a spot on the Homeland Security panel.

The move, confirmed by a top Democratic leadership aide and expected to take place Friday, is aimed at giving Jefferson, D-La., a greater opportunity to help the people in his district, particularly those still recovering in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Jefferson, the subject of an ongoing federal bribery probe, surprised fellow lawmakers and political observers Dec. 9 when he won election to a ninth term in a close runoff race.

"He's been in limbo for a long time," the leadership aide said. "He's a member of Congress representing his constituents and is working on issues of concern to his district and the country."

In limbo, yes; he was too crooked for purgatory. Worth noting: There's not enough in Jefferson's freezer to pay his legal bills, if they're close to the bills Alan Mollohan is paying,