Is there no basis in the Senate rules for allowing a declared leave of absence? Unlike BK going AWOL, Barnes announced his absence and has as good a reason as possible (illness). That may be a reason to resign voluntarily or be voted out if one runs for reelection anyway, but surely isn't a reason for being thrown out of the Senate?
I realize this matters little in Barnes's case with the election looming and no move to expel him/"declare the seat vacant", but this is important for future reference.
The problem is that he appearently posted in the Senate a few days after posting the leave of absence so there is a wild card, especially with a vague LOA as to the length of its duration.
Agreed. On top of that, he has been pretty active on Facebook with updates and such. If he was actually too sick to get on Atlas, I'd imagine he'd also be too sick to get on Facebook.
