Murkowski to vote "present" as a courtesy to Montana senator

Axios ^ | Oct 5, 2018 | Marisa Fernandez

[11th_VA]

Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) will vote "present" as a courtesy to Montana Sen. Steve Daines as he plans to walk his daughter down the aisle at her wedding, which collides with the timing of the Senate floor vote for Judge Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation.

The big picture: Her vote will not change the outcome of Kavanaugh's confirmation as Sen. Daines was expected to vote in favor of Trump's pick. Though Murkowski announced earlier that she opposes Kavanaugh's confirmation to the Supreme Court, she says she hopes her "present" vote "reminds us we can take very small steps to be gracious."

[USCG SimTech]

The common practice called “pairing” is when any of one party cannot make a vote because of a life or death important level event in their life, ONE MEMBER OF THE OTHER PARTY is volunteered to vote present.

THE OTHER PARTY... of which she is not.

[b4me]

her job is not to be “gracious” but to vote as her constituents want.

[Lisbon1940]

How soon can Daines be voted out?

[RoseofTexas]

I agree...in a heartbeat they’ll fly him in if needed! Senator go and enjoy your daughter’s wedding! BUT YOU BETTER BE ON STANDBY OR else ALL HELL WILL BREAK loose ON YOUR BUTT!!!

[Ron H.]

IIRC from my early days serving in 501(c)(3 & 4) organizations in my capacity several years ago as a Secretary in one and a Treasurer in another voting present (about 30 years ago) this only means that one is actually present for the official vote but will not be casting a vote one way of the other kind of like abstaining I believe. Not for or against. The 50% +1 final vote count still does not change in any way. This would likely stop a 50%-50% (possibly a 49-49 in this case) tie in which the President of the Senate VP Pence would therefore cast the tie breaking and deciding vote. Or something similar to this scenario I believe.

But I don't think it's going to be that close anyway. I'm suspecting the vote to be about 47 against and 53 for or there about. Variance depending on the present vote on the "D's" part and the absent vote on the "R's" part.

[central_va]

What a stupid < insert favorite pejorative for female reproductive organs here >

[central_va]

Sara Palin should challenger her to a topless mud wrestling duel.

[MountainWalker]

If any one of the pledged votes flip by tomorrow, Kavanaugh loses if Daines isn’t there. If he’s there and this happens, Pence can break the tie. I don’t know why Mitch wouldn’t drag his ass there considering Murk flipped her vote on the way to the freaking chamber today.

[gswilder]

Chill on Daines. He would be in DC if needed.

If for some reason, Murkowski goes squirelly, or Manchin flips back, then Mitch just holds the vote open, and Daines has a private plane ready to fly him back to vote. She is trying to lessen the impact of her traitorous vote. She needs to go. And Mitch needs to strip her of all her power.

[central_va]

Think of the carbon footprint.

[pbear8]

It means that Daines does not have to miss his daughter’s wedding since her vote will not change the tally.

[Ron H.]

This is actually a shrewed move on her part. It allows her to honestly say she did not vote against Kavanaugh but not have to say she voted for him. ......

That's exactly what it is, a face saving hedge your bet ploy living to fight another day. She knows full well that the "D's" lost the vote so she may as well try and salvage a little credibility in the eyes of her constituents since she may be facing a foreboding challenger in her next reelection bid in 2022(?) with famed Sarah Palin whispering a potential run against her..

[Pearls Before Swine]

It means that Daines does not have to miss his daughter’s wedding since her vote will not change the tally.

Is there the possibility for a double cross here? For example, if Manchin changes his mind at the last instant if Daines isn't around? He'll be under a lot of pressure to do exactly that.

[TheConservativeParty]

Daines should realize that voting Yes for a Supreme Court Justice , when the votes for and against are so close, is his elected job! Surely the wedding could be worked around somehow. If I were his daughter I would insist that daddy stay and vote, and then catch a flight asap.

[bramps]

I think it’s insane if this guy is not there to vote.

[hirn_man]

Thanks for pointing this out to all the people calling for Daines head on a pike.

Daines said he would be there if needed. This was all worked out with McConnell last night.

[Ron H.]

I defer to your explanation. I was in the ball park with mine but yours is more concise. Thanks for jogging my memory.

[damper99]

Dems and Murkowski still plotting. I wouldn’t take her word or Manchin’s on promises to vote.

[mrsmith]

“It allows her to honestly say she did not vote against Kavanaugh but not have to say she voted for him. “

And that wouldn’t be possible without Daine’s absence.... which is so perplexing- maybe it was all planned?
(Also, this assures a vote as I’ve explained elsewhere ad nauseum)

[null and void]

THE OTHER PARTY... of which she is not.

Are you certain she isn't?