WASHINGTON – What does a vote counter do when there are no votes to count?

As U.S. House majority whip, it’s Rep. Tom Emmer’s job to count votes and persuade – or even strongarm – recalcitrant Republicans to support GOP initiatives in a closely divided chamber.

But now there are no votes to count.

Emmer joined a GOP House leadership press conference Wednesday to continue to blame Democrats for a federal government shutdown that is in its eighth day.

The 6th District Republican said the shutdown has occurred “all because Democrats would rather hold the American people hostage to appease their radical base.”

But it’s totally the GOP’s decision to put all House business on ice.

Emmer is among a small group of House Republicans who are still in Washington, D.C., because House Speaker Mik

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