But he abstained on the resolution authorising force in Libya (having originally wanted to vote no, it is said).

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He abstained from televised debates with Ms Tymoshenko to avoid making gaffes.

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"If you want a vibrant community, you need a vibrant downtown, " said Mayor W. Wesley Perry, who abstained from the vote to purchase the property because he owns an office building across the street.

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He laughs and says he voted for George W. Bush in 2000, but had abstained in 2004.

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Hours later, he passed the key budget measure with 308 votes, seven short of a majority, as 321 lawmakers abstained.

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