Tim Johnson Votes Against Pay As You Go

Back in October, with a Democratic takeover of the House appearing likely, TJW suggested it was time for Tim Johnson to "lead, follow, or get out of the way."

It didn't take long for Mr. Johnson to signal that he is choosing (d) none of the above. Today, Johnson voted against the common-sense "Pay As You Go" rule. While 48 Republicans saw the logic of fiscal responsibility behind the measure and voted in favor, Mr. Johnson, despite his center aisle rhetoric, chose the partisan course to oppose it.

Here's what CNN Money had to say about Pay As You Go:

The House of Representatives on Friday voted to reinstitute the "pay as you go" budget rule that Democrats credited with helping end federal budget deficits in the 1990s.

By a vote of 280-152, the House approved the internal House rule that would require any new tax cuts to be paid for with other tax increases or spending reductions. Any increased spending on "entitlement" programs, such as the Medicare health plan for the elderly, also would have to be paid for with spending reductions or tax increases.

Defense spending would not be impacted.

With federal debt mounting after steep budget deficits throughout President George W. Bush's presidency, congressional Democrats, aided by a few dozen Republicans, pushed the 'paygo' plan through the House on the second day of the 110th Congress.

Is that really a rule Mr. Johnson's constituents would oppose?