diff --git a/Lib/idlelib/WidgetRedirector.py b/Lib/idlelib/WidgetRedirector.py
index df60cea4f51..f941cc2b7f4 100644
--- a/Lib/idlelib/WidgetRedirector.py
+++ b/Lib/idlelib/WidgetRedirector.py
@@ -29,13 +29,9 @@ def close(self):
         tk.call("rename", orig, w)
 
     def register(self, name, function):
-        if self.dict.has_key(name):
-            previous = dict[name]
-        else:
-            previous = OriginalCommand(self, name)
         self.dict[name] = function
         setattr(self.widget, name, function)
-        return previous
+        return OriginalCommand(self, name)
 
     def unregister(self, name):
         if self.dict.has_key(name):