AP reports (link dead) that the Senate fell two votes short from considering a motion to permanently eliminate the estate tax. One of the No votes was Sen. Voinovich (Republicrat-OH). Another was Sen. Chafee (Republicrat-RI).

Americans for Tax Reform has a Voinovich quote with nice analysis:

“When Voinovich says ‘we,’ he doesn’t mean you and me. When he says ‘We need more money’ he means the government,” said Grover Norquist, president of Americans for Tax Reform. “This is the exact opposite of Ronald Reagan, who always referred to the government as ‘they’. Even after eight years of living in the White House and riding Air Force One, the government was always referred to as ‘they.’ ”

As of post time the roll call vote hasn’t shown up on senate.gov yet. If Sen. Voinovich is feeling a little guilty that the government won’t have enough money when he dies, he can will his belongings to them, but please, hands off our already taxed assets.

Update: 10:39pm: The roll call vote is #164.