In a roll call vote that followed three hours of debate on war and peace, Vermont Rep. Peter Welch voted with Rep. Dennis Kucinich, 58 other Democrats, and 5 Republicans on Kucinich’s House Concurrent Resolution 248.

That resolution, “pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution,” in effect would have set a timeline for withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan:  either within 30 days of the passage of the resolution or by Dec. 31, 2010 if the earlier date would lead to an unsafe withdrawal.

The resolution failed by a vote of 356 to 65.

Ron Paul was one of the Republicans. Curmudgeon and cynic Barney Frank was among the 12 handfuls of Democrats voting in favor, as was Tammy Baldwin, the first out lesbian congresswoman, and outspoken Rep. Alan Grayson of Florida’s 8th District.

On the huh?! list was Michigan’s Bart Stupak in the yes column (when did he start acting like a Democrat?) along with disgraced Democrat Rep. Eric Massa  (must have been his last vote, the seat is now listed as vacant), and under-investigation Rep. Charlie Rangel, both of New York. Perhaps when there’s nothing more to lose, these guys can finally vote their beliefs.

NH Democrats Paul Hodes (now running for Senate) and Carol Shea-Porter joined voted against.

I’m glad Peter Welch was among the 65 voting for peace now, even if some of the company was a tad unsavory.