On rebuking Joe Wilson, North Country divided

Here’s an interesting footnote to yesterday’s House rebuke of Joe Wilson, the South Carolina congressman who shouted “You lie!” during President Barack Obama’s address to Congress.

The North Country has three congressmen: John McHugh, Scott Murphy and Mike Arcuri (whose 24th House district stretches up into the western Adirondacks).

McHugh — a Republican who awaits confirmation as Army Secretary — didn’t vote.

Murphy — a Democrat elected last spring in a special election — voted Yes on the reprimand.

Arcuri — a Democrat who squeaked by on his re-election in 2008 — voted No.

In a surprising twist, four New York Democrats voted against the rebuke: Arcuri, Rep. Maurice Hinchey, Rep. Dan Maffei, and Rep. Eric Massa.

One other New York Democrat, Eliot Engel, broke ranks to vote “present.”