The New York Times reports today that by a House vote of 102-302 the effort to defund the Office of Congressional Ethics has failed.

There was some thought that the effort to defund the office, led by Rep. Melvin Watt (D-N.C.), had a chance of passing. But it appears in the end that voting against ethics oversight might just be bad politics. Stunning.

And even some who were skeptical of some aspects of the commission saw the forest for the trees on this vote.

Rep. Mike Capuano (D-Mass.) in New York Times Piece: “I have expressed my concern on certain issues to members of the O.C.E. in the past,” Mr. Capuano said. Of the proposed 40 percent budget cut, he said, “That is merely, as far as I’m concerned, draconian punishment to say, ‘We’re the boss; you’re not.’”

Due to the politics of voting against upholding ethical standards, and hopefully common sense, this sideshow got what it deserved, overwhelming defeat.