Good questions.
I guess the Republicans need to grab some of the low hanging fruit with investigations, but for better or worse, a little of that goes a long way with the public.
Your point that once back in power, we need to expend most of our effort in repealing stupid laws [particularly ObamaCare if it passes], and defund the likes of ACORN which I read somewhere today is already on the verge of Bankruptcy.
The pattern continues (Social Security, Medicare, public schools, etc.)
Takes on a new meaning.
Yah, until BO restored their full funding:
http://spectator.org/blog/2010/03/20/obama-restores-cash-strapped-a