I would think that his greatest joy is winning a campaign. Bush isn't running again, Cheney isn't running. None of the cabinet secretaries are talked about as serious contenders for the 2008 Republican nomination. He's not, IMO, going to help Bush convince Congress to change Social Security in any meaningful way. Rove could have left on top in January 2005 and made millions as a consultant for the 2006 and 2008 elections.
Why is he still hanging around?
If Bush had any scruples about Rove, he would have fired him before the 2000 South Carolina primary (where McCain was savaged). :-(
Putting all that together, unless Rove is indicted, I think he's going to be around. Bush won't fire him, for some reason.
It's all rather mysterious to me.
Maybe he does want to be Supreme Court Chief Justice?!? ;-j
Cheers,
Scott.