The "Buffet Rule," an idea favored by 72% of Americans, went up for a cloture vote yesterday. The vote would have opened up the rule for debate in that chamber.

The “Buffet Rule,” according to the latest CNN poll was viewed favorably by 90% of Democrats, and 53% of likely Republican voters, but was opposed by 58% of self-identified “Tea Party” supporters. None-the-less, it was voted down along party lines with Republicans voting down the debate almost to the man.

The rule would have required that Millionaires and Billionaires paid a at least 30% income tax, bringing what they would pay closer to the percentage paid by the middle class income tax payer. The rule was struck down on a vote of 51-45, 60 votes would have opened up debate on the rule.

Senator Susan Collins, Republican of Maine was the only Republicaan Senator to vote for the rule. Senator Mark Pryor, Democrat from Arkansas, was the only Democrat to vote against the rule. Senator, Joe Lieberman, Independent from Connecticut, also opposed the rule, but was not in Washington to take part in the vote.

Alaska’s Republlican Senator, Lisa Murkowski, voted against the rule that would have collected $47 billion over the next decade. She said in a release after the vote, “It’s extremely frustrating that as most Americans struggle to fill up their gas tank, heat their home or find work, they see the U.S. Senate taking a vote that does nothing to address those priorities.” She continued, saying, “Now that this vote is past, I hope we can get to work on improving Americans’ energy security and job security.”

It must be said, though, no matter if the rule had passed the Senate, it would have been struck down in the Republican controlled House.

The “Buffet Rule” will most likely be brought up again, and will no doubt be an issue for both sides during this year’s campaign season.