Do Not Pass Go, Do Not Collect $200

People really aren't paying attention to how Bernie Kerik will factor in the nomination fight. Romney can easily dip into his own pockets and put out an array of ads on this.

Bernard Kerik's legal nightmare is about to get worse, with federal prosecutors expected to file charges against the former police commissioner that will likely include allegations of bribery, tax fraud and obstruction of justice, the Daily News has learned.

The indictment, expected next month, could prove to be an embarrassing obstacle for Kerik's former mentor Rudy Giuliani, who is cruising at the top of the polls heading into the presidential primary gauntlet.

The bribery allegations against Kerik stem from a secret meeting at a bar in Tribeca, according to two sources familiar with the federal probe.

Kerik's lawyers recently agreed to waive the statute of limitations on the tax charges until Nov. 17, which will allow them to make one last plea to try to ease the pain.

As this is a Justice Department probe, there's always the possibility that this thing gets politicized and the lawyers plead down to a slap on the wrist. But things appear to actually be going in the opposite direction. If judgment about aides and associates is a campaign issue... well, then nobody will get the nomination, because they've all got problems in that department. But it's really damaging, especially with Republicans tarnished as fostering a culture of corruption. It doesn't make it look like the nominee is any different.