Another Democratic scheme has blown up in the faces of lawmakers:

Democrats have decided not to seek a pre-election showdown on the soon-to-expire Bush tax cuts, saying lawmakers will instead wage the legislative battle with Republicans in a lame-duck session in November.

Harry Reid’s spinner said it was all the GOP’s fault. Nonsense, says Mitch McConnell, who would have loved to have an up or down vote on extension of all the Bush tax cuts. The Gray Lady pronounces:

The decision by the Democratic Senate leadership effectively freezes the debate for the rest of the midterm election season. House Democrats have said for weeks that the Senate debate should happen before they take up the issue. And it means that candidates on both sides of the aisle will be able to use the issue on the campaign trail.

Hmm. How’s that going to work for Democrats? “We didn’t take a vote because… we were afraid we’d lose.” Doesn’t really sing. Or maybe: “Because it would drive a stake through what is left of the moderates’ election prospects.” Honest but embarrassing. Perhaps: “Because we’re in the midst of a blazing recovery, the economy can absorb another hit.” (Ugh, probably want to stay away from that phrase.)

I’m not sure what “use” avoiding a tax cut vote will be to Democrats. It’s certainly not a profile in political courage.