Republicans Leave in a Huff

In a rare and rancorous flap in the House last night, Republicans stormed out en masse after accusing Democrats of cheating on protocol to reverse an unfavorable vote on illegal immigration, reports the Politico. Shortly before 11pm, a vote concluded before a definitive count could be taken; Republicans say they won 215-213, but the Dems call it a tie.

When Steny Hoyer offered a motion to recount, Republicans burst out with cries of "shame" at the majority leader for what they perceived as a sly maneuver to void their win. Democrats shot back with their own insults.  GOP members left in protest, only to find later that no record was kept of the controversial vote, leading them to accuse Dems of erasing it. (More House of Representatives stories.)