By Illinois Radio Network/Greg Bishop
SPRINGFIELD – Illinois’ congressional representatives were split along party lines about whether President Donald Trump should be impeached for allegations he abused his office and obstructed congress in the Ukraine scandal.
Democratic majorities in the U.S. House passed two articles of impeachment against Trump Wednesday. One article alleges Trump withheld military aid in order to pressure Ukraine to investigate a political rival and interfere in the upcoming 2020 presidential election. The other article alleges the president obstructed Congress in their investigation of a whistleblower complaint on the issue.
Illinois Democrats in the U.S. House voted to impeach; Republicans voted against.
Trump claims he did nothing wrong.
“SUCH ATROCIOUS LIES BY THE RADICAL LEFT, DO NOTHING DEMOCRATS,” the president posted on Twitter. “THIS IS AN ASSAULT ON AMERICA, AND AN ASSAULT ON THE REPUBLICAN PARTY!!!!”
No Republicans supported the articles of impeachment. They said impeachment is being used as a weaponized political tool. Democrats say it’s Congress’ responsibility to hold the president accountable.
U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood, R-Dunlap, said he has not seen anything that rises to what he called the “nuclear option” of impeachment.
“As a former federal prosecutor, I’ve read the transcripts, I’ve watched the hearings, I’ve read the whistleblower report, that has not been met here,” LaHood said. “In addition, this process has lacked fairness, due process and transparency. We shouldn’t be here tonight doing this. This is a travesty.”
U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis, R-Taylorville, released a statement and said, ” This is the first partisan impeachment in our nation’s history and I am fearful it sets a dangerous precedent. I will not vote to remove a duly elected president of either party or bar them from running without a legitimate independent investigation and proof of a crime, neither of which exist in this case. I am hopeful we can put this kind of partisanship aside and move forward on bipartisan legislation to improve the lives of hardworking American citizens.”
U.S. Rep. Sean Casten, D-Glen Ellyn, took to the hours-long debate and supported impeachment. He acknowledged the partisan cloud over the vote.
“So when you talk about partisanship I’d remind you of those great words of [Abraham] Lincoln, I’m paraphrasing him slightly, ‘when one party would inflame partisanship rather than let the nation survive I’m proud to be the party that would accept partisanship than to let the nation parish,’” Casten said.
The impeachment process now moves to the Senate, where a two-third majority vote is needed to convict Trump and remove him from office.
