My guess is Lerner’s lawyer Taylor is quietly behind the scenes trying to negotiate a deal with Issa. It sure looks like Lerner is on very shaky ground.
She clams up to Issa but sings like a canary to the DOJ? I don’t see how that peculiarity can go on unresolved and her invoking the 5th can be justified.
Issa keeps giving her more rope and DOJ is content to see her hang herself.
Inherent contempt is one way to bring this to a head, and I can’t imagine Lerner’s attorney wants to see that happen.
I think she has cut her deal with the administration and has nothing to fear.
I believe your scenario is most plausible.
It would explain the dust up about Issa saying Lerner would testify Wednesday and then Taylor coming out and denying it.
Taylor clearly lied because there were emails between his office and Issa's that confirmed she would testify.