This could turn into something big:

A coin dealer and major GOP fundraiser asked Wednesday to change his not guilty pleas to federal charges that he illegally funneled donations to President Bush’s re-election campaign.

Tom Noe had denied illegally funneling $45,400 in contributions to President Bush’s re-election bid. He was accused of giving money directly or indirectly to 24 friends and associates, who then made the campaign contributions in their own names.

Federal prosecutors said he did that to skirt the $2,000 limit on individual contributions.

Noe’s attorney and the U.S. attorney’s office jointly filed a request Wednesday asking a federal judge to set a change of plea hearing as soon as possible. The filing did not indicate what the new plea will be.

There are also questions surrounding Ohio Governor Bob Taft’s knowledge and involvement in the scandal. Perhaps we could see another cooperation deal in the making here and more Republicans finally being brought to justice.