Fascinating info..that's what I love about FR..learn something every day..I'd never heard of that before...Just wondering...do you have any examples of the last time, and/or the most important votes, "paring" was used...thanks again..
No, I don't know when it last happened, but my guess is that it is only employed in "routine" matters -- appropriation for a new dam, for instance.
As Cyber Liberty points out, Senatorial courtesy is at a low ebb. Unlikely that vote pairing would take place on a vote of major importance such as the Alito approval vote, since the "friendly no" would have to explain to his/her lefty constituency why he/she aided in the appointment.
All moot, anyway, as it appears Senator Ensign will be back to vote on the appointment.