I think there's something to jonawebb's idea even if it sounds a little like a wacko conspiracy theory.

Firing Gonzales was not going to stop the investigations. So now the most damaging hearings are out of the way for Gonzo. The White House is mostly safe if the principals hang together, but there is still the possibility of a lucky shot that could bring down Rove or even the president.

So the Democrats might judge there isn't much to be gained by going forward and the Bush administration might judge that the chance of an unexpected hit was serious enough to sacrifice Gonzales for if they can get the Democrats to lay off.

Neither side can look like they actually made the deal so maybe that will be enough to stop it, still I think it's a deal both sides might like to make.