Roll Call Vote #411, on House Resolution #560, “Expressing support for all Iranian citizens who embrace the values of freedom, human rights, civil liberties, and rule of law, and for other purposes.”

Reading as follows:

Expressing support for all Iranian citizens who embrace the values of freedom, human rights, civil liberties, and rule of law, and for other purposes.

Resolved, That the House of Representatives—

(1) expresses its support for all Iranian citizens who embrace the values of freedom, human rights, civil liberties, and rule of law;

(2) condemns the ongoing violence against demonstrators by the Government of Iran and pro-government militias, as well as the ongoing government suppression of independent electronic communication through interference with the Internet and cellphones; and

(3) affirms the universality of individual rights and the importance of democratic and fair elections.

The bill passed. The Yeas were 405.

The Nays were 1 (Ron Paul of Texas).

Two members of Congress voted Present.

Brad Ellsworth was one of them.

Riddle me this: what on earth does Brad Ellsworth have against such a simple resolution? Why vote present? In short, why emulate Obama?

Now, John Hostettler had his quirky moments, so maybe there’s something in the water in the office of whoever represents the 8th District. But I’d have a hard time seeing even John Hostettler voting present on a rather mild, straightforward, and blatantly obvious resolution as this.

Heck, if John Hostettler was opposed to something, he’d at least have the spine (like Ron Paul) to vote no. Brad Ellsworth gives a wishy-washy and craven “present.”

Why?