The blogosphere flexes its muscles as USA Today reports that George Mason University has opened an investigation of Edward Wegman, a professor of statistics, who authored the so-called "Wegman report" (here in PDF) on the so-called Hockey Stick.

The investigation was motivated by a blog-based investigation (here in PDF), and apparently a request from Ray Bradley, a collaborator with Michael Mann.  The case raises some interesting (non)parallels with Mann's.  I wonder if Cuccinelli will be requesting Wegman's emails?  Maybe if Democrats hold the House or Senate an investigation will be opened?

To be clear on my views, this issue is a matter of alleged academic misconduct, not global or national climate policy.  If the professor plagiarized, he should be fired.  My views on climate policy will not change either way.