Let’s be clear what is going to happen here. Brat abstained because he knew this was a tough choice. Everything else is smoke.
Having taken the path of cowardice, Brat will now stick his finger in the wind, see how fierce the blowback will be… and then switch his vote to whatever is the most opportunistic for his (short term) political survival.
The Richmond Times-Dispatch appropriately labeled his non-vote an abstention. The Bull Elephant is caging this abstention as a “non vote” that will ultimately be changed to a “no” — which would be clever if it wasn’t so common with this so-called congressman.
I’m willing to give some wiggle room on whether or not one could have or should have voted yes or no on this bill. For myself, so long as Congress is not actively seeking a solution on the budget bill, the issue has to be forced and the vote is a clear and emphatic “no” every time.
For others, whether or not the government shuts down is of vital import not just to Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads… but if we are indeed barreling towards war in North Korea, now is not the time to be gaming a budget vote. I get that argument.
…but an abstention?
Profiles in courage, folks… either have the courage of your convictions and give it an up/down vote, or waffle and cave (as Brat did with the health care bill). But don’t dare call it leadership.