Either he believes in the Constitutional guarantees or he doesn't and to play politics with them makes me want to ask what else is he willing to risk.
What is wrong with standing on principle? What you are saying is that he cast his vote for political gain. Well, my friend, that is what is wrong with the nation in the first place. Not much principled leadership these days.
You may be able to justify the vote and that is your right (so far), but I can't and won't. I don't know what I will do come November but my emotional first response is to sit this one out. To my mind he (Thune) is no better than the man he would replace when it comes to principle, honor, and integrity.
Again, I am not at all suggesting that you shouldn't give a wink and a nod and support the man. I am just getting to the end of my rope on voting against the least preferred candidate. Hopefully there is a line that you too won't cross for political power, but this may not be it. I think it is for me.