COLUMBUS, OH — Rep. Doug Farrell, 57, (R-OH-11) has voted “present” on all 214 pieces of legislation brought to the House floor this session, a streak his communications director is describing as “a principled refusal to be divided by Washington.”

Farrell’s office released a press statement Tuesday morning noting that the congressman had “successfully avoided taking a single partisan position” since January, calling it evidence of his commitment to “bringing both sides together.” The statement did not address what the two sides were being brought together to do.

“Doug hears you,” said communications director Paige Elmore, 31, adding that Farrell remained “deeply engaged in the conversation.” When asked which conversation, Elmore said she would circle back.

“I refuse to let Washington force me to choose between yes and no. That’s exactly what they want.”

Farrell himself addressed supporters at a town hall in Westerville on Monday, calling his voting record “a form of courage most people aren’t ready to understand.” Audience response was described by a local reporter as “present.”

The congressman is currently seeking his fourth term and has raised $1.4 million, primarily from donors his treasurer described as “encouraged by his flexibility.”

House colleagues from both parties declined to comment on Farrell’s record. Several said they had forgotten he served.

At press time, Farrell had released a statement expressing that he was “monitoring the situation closely” regarding a resolution to name a post office in Akron, calling it “one of the most complex issues facing this nation.”