If any of this is true it's probably because the pissy little weasel is beginning to feel the heat at home for his liberalism a la Daschle.
Agreed. Politicians do not roll over for one another unless there is an angle in it for them. It's the reason why I tend not to place too much stock in conspiracy theories. Someone would not concede power unless there's another reason. Your idea would probably be it--to enable him to hang onto his Senate seat.