Although it is not a particular surprise, because Microsoft and Yahoo execs had previously said they expected as much, the Justice Department lobbed in a “second request” for information about the search and online advertising partnership the pair struck earlier this summer.

A Microsoft spokesman confirmed the request to BoomTown.

“As expected Microsoft and Yahoo received an additional request about the agreement, as we said when this agreement was announced,” said Microsoft’s Jack Evans. “We anticipated this deal would be closely reviewed and we continue to be hopeful that it will be approved by early 2010.”

Simply put, the Justice Department wants more information about the 10-year deal and will do more investigation before approving it–or not.

This kind of review is typical in deals of this magnitude, although it is unlikely to be as fraught as Yahoo’s attempt last year to form a similar partnership with Google.

That deal collapsed after regulators indicated that they would oppose the arrangement, which caused Google to pull out.

At the time the partnership was announced in July, execs at both Microsoft (MSFT) and Yahoo (YHOO) said a lot of scrutiny was likely from Justice, although they were also confident that it would go through.

And, indeed, there seem to be no major objections from publishers and advertisers, as was the case with Yahoogle, even though a privacy group has raised some concerns.

Even Google (GOOG) has been unusually quiet about the deal, perhaps because its nearly 70 percent of the search market makes it the behemoth. Together, Yahoo and Microsoft have close to a 30 percent market share.

The deal must also be approved by European regulators, according to the terms negotiated by Yahoo and Microsoft. But since Google’s share there is even higher, roadblocks seem unlikely.

Meanwhile, according to numerous sources, Microsoft and Yahoo are separately working on transition plans in order to move quickly once it gains regulatory approval.

While they cannot work together as yet at a detailed level, Microsoft will eventually be absorbing hundreds of Yahoo search engineers as part of the deal.

So as we all wait in breathless anticipation, enjoy this hysterical video version of the famous gruel scene in the movie, “Oliver,” with the lines speeded up and then slowed down:

(Quick synopsis of the extremely obvious: Once-politically dopey Microsoft has gone all K Street, although stumbly Google is learning fast to line up its lobbying ducks too! Mayhem to ensue.)

Thank goodness then for the liveliest part, which came when the Google (GOOG) and Microsoft (MSFT) talking heads squared off.

Just like the dudes pictured here. Schwiiiiing!

Sadly, there is no word from the PR person for Yahoo (YHOO), who is probably the smartest one of the three for not entering the fray.

Because, if you close yours eyes, the email messages to the Times’s reporter from the pair sound almost like the spokesmen for dueling presidential candidates and are just as illuminating (except “cacophony of concerns” is kind of a pretty turn of phrase)!

But you be the judge:

Microsoft spokesman Jack Evans:

There’s an old rule in debate: if you’re not winning on substance, talk about the process. Anyone who suggests that lobbying by one party is responsible for the overwhelming opposition to the deal simply isn’t listening to the cacophony of concerns expressed by advertisers, publishers, consumer groups, legal experts and lawmakers.

Google spokesman Adam Kovacevich:

There is no doubt that Microsoft has been the most energetic opponent of this agreement and has worked hard from behind the scenes to generate much of the opposition to this deal. But most people in Washington have dismissed those efforts as a big company simply trying to slow down its competitors.

Please see this disclosure related to me and Google.