The two freshman Democrats in the Rochester area's Congressional delegation - Dan Maffei and Eric Massa - voted against admonishing South Carolina Republican Joe Wilson for shouting "You lie" during President Obama's speech last week.

Their "no" votes, which came after just over an hour of debate, was symbolic.

"My vote against formally reprimanding Rep. Wilson is based on my belief that we should be doing more important things now that Congress is back in session," Massa said in a statement issued this afternoon.

Maffei issued a similar statement.

"Clearly, Mr. Wilson thoroughly embarrassed himself. And while I disagree with Mr. Wilson and I strongly support the president, I think we should be moving on and not piling on."

The two Congress members make a good point. The measure - technically a "resolution of disapproval" - is little more than official acknowledgment that Wilson made an ass of himself. "You lie" had its moment, but now it's a distraction in a debate marred by distraction (and misinformation). Massa and Maffei are right, it's time to move on and to get back to productive business. The voters in Wilson's district will deal with him how they see fit come the next election.

Congress member Louise Slaughter voted in favor of the measure, while Congress member Chris Lee voted against it.