A credible source (see below update) tells us that Montgomery Blair Sibley, the “DC Madam’s” civil layer, did not have to reach across the entire country to find an expert in BDSM, as Big Head DC revealed last night. Obviously, there are plenty of folks with an advanced knowledge of the subject on the east coast.

So, why?

“I think Sibley is hoping that Leola McConnell can verify some specific allegation made by Deborah Jeane Palfrey or one of her ladies,” our Beltway source says. “And since Leola has spoken about Bush and William Bennett — well. The possibilities become interesting, no?”

DC insiders, including investigative reporter Wayne Madsen, have said for weeks that Vice President Cheney likely used Palfrey’s services in the past. Our source is certain that Sibley contacted McConnell to “spook” a high-level VIP into making the government’s case against Palfrey go away.

Another source (see update below) who is very close with McConnell (she has not responded to a request for comment yet), says that “Leola has Bush in checkmate on this one. No power on earth can change that. Bush knows Leola up close and personal and knows it’s insanity to piss her off… The smartest thing for President George W. Bush to do is shut his mouth, ignore Leola McConnell and let this ill wind pass. He’s beat.”

UPDATE: Joseph Cannon says he is the source of the speculation. We have no idea who he is, but he does seem rather cranky in several missives he’s sent us.