By Jon Ralston

Published Wednesday, July 18, 2012 | 3:59 p.m.

Updated Wednesday, July 18, 2012 | 5:33 p.m.

The news that a North Las Vegas solar plant has closed its doors, just seven months after it announced massive layoffs, is no surprise. But what is even less surprising is the trajectory of events that followed, with Republicans working themselves into a lather to dance on the stimulus-laden project’s grave and Democrats trying their best to sidestep the issue.

12:24 PM: Sen. Dean Heller, not surprisingly, was first: “NV Company Proof of Failed Stimulus Spending”

1:27 PM: An hour later, Rep. Shelley Berlley chided her "gleeful" opponent because eof the lost jobs: “BERKLEY CAMPAIGN: SHAME ON DEAN HELLER

2:11 PM: The RNC weighs in, reminding everyone of Amonix money man Steve Westly’s ties to the Obama Adeministration: “An Obama-Westly Joint Venture Closes Its Doors In Vegas”

2:22 PM: Harry Reid, saying the company never recovered after its CEO was killed in a plane crash last year, laments: “Some people will be tempted to use today’s unfortunate news for political gain.”

3:28 PM: The National Republican Senatorial Committee finds it irresistible: “Another Taxpayer Funded Obama-Berkley Solar Plant Shuts Down”

You know who we haven’t heard from? The guy smiling in this picture

I wonder why.

UPDATE: At 5:16 PM, the governor's spokeswoman weighed in:

"After the tragic loss of their CEO late last year, today’s news is a sad ending for Amonix. The Governor supported a company which was expanding to Nevada and creating jobs in a targeted economic development sector, which is a priority for him. While we are disappointed that Amonix has closed, Nevada’s Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation’s rapid response team is doing all it can to assist displaced workers in finding new employment."