I’m glad for the long-suffering John Boehner. I respect those who stood with him and their attempt to do the right thing as they saw it. I hope the deal—for as long as it lasts—turns out to benefit the country and advance conservative principles. I will curb my annoyance at those who triumphantly want to claim it represents “a fundamental change in governance.” I hope the deal proves to be a step in the right direction.

But as the vote wound down on the House floor, I received an email from a friend and political comrade-in-arms that captured my sentiments almost exactly: