The Governors of three large states are urging federal regulators to approve Comcast's planned acquisition of a controlling stake in NBC Universal for $13.75 billion. In a letter to the FCC, Governors David Paterson of New York, Arnold Schwarzenegger of California and Ed Rendell of Pennsylvania say that "the significant benefits associated with the creation of this new joint venture far outweigh any potential harms."

Comcast has also been busily snapping up ex-politicians to help carry their water, and there's currently 78 former government employees registered as Comcast lobbyists working to push the deal through (in addition to all the other lobbyists, PR firms, consultants, trade associations, think tanks and other hired policy vessels). Says Politico:Also working for Comcast now are former aides to Democratic FCC Commissioners Copps and Adelstein. Obviously a revolving door between regulators and lobbying is nothing new, but this is a particularly massive operation. Of course consumer advocates and others continue to argue that such a massive corporation controlling both pipe and content can only end badly for consumers and others in the content delivery chain.

Still, is there anyone willing to bet on this deal not getting approved?