The day after Sen. Charles E. Schumer took testimony from a fired U.S. attorney about a call from Sen. Pete V. Domenici, R-N.M., the campaign committee Schumer directs used it to blast Domenici, who is up for re-election in 2008.

“GOP Sen. Domenici just can’t get his story straight,” read a press release sent by the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.

As chairman of the campaign operation and of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Administrative Oversight and the Courts, Schumer, D-N.Y., appears to be filling the roles of both congressional investigator and political attack dog.

At least that’s what Republicans are beginning to say, although Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pa., is the only one who has confronted Schumer in person.

“I believe there’s a conflict of interest,” Specter declared in a committee hearing March 14.

Schumer, however, says he sees “no conflict whatsoever” as long as he focuses his criticism of U.S. attorney firings on the executive branch. “We are just taking it where it goes,” he said.

Domenici has had no harsh words for Schumer — not in public, anyway.

“I’m just trying to do my thing,” he said Thursday.

As he spoke, Schumer strolled by, offering a sheepish “Hi, Pete.”

Domenici smiled and patted Schumer’s arm.