Rep. Davis says impeachment trials of former Pres. Trump “sets a terrible precedent”

Posted on February 10, 2021
U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (Photo courtesy: WJBC/File)

By Blake Haas

BLOOMINGTON – As Congress enters day two of former President Trump’s impeachment trial, Central Illinois Congressman Rodney Davis says the trial “set a terrible precedent” for America’s future.

However, the Taylorville Republican said former President Trump’s rhetoric and lying to the American people about winning the election was wrong, and he bears responsibility.

“We all bear responsibility for our words and our actions when we’re in leadership positions. But we also can’t take away the personal responsibility of individuals who commit crimes. And anyone who walked into that Capitol on January 6 is a criminal; they committed a crime, they broke federal law, and they should be prosecuted at the fullest extent of the law.

“But riots are riots, and violence is violence, and just as I condemn the violence in June and the rioting in June, I condemn the violence on January 6. We’ve got to come together as Americans.”

Davis, who represents Illinois’ 13th Congressional District, told WJBC’s Scott Miller he disagrees with Northern Illinois Rep. Adam Kinzinger, who said he supports impeaching the former President.

“Adam and I may disagree on this issue, but we agree on 99 percent of the other issues that make this country great that we are going to continue working on.”

LISTEN: Central Illinois Congressman Rodney Davis talks with WJBC’s Scott Miller. 

On Tuesday evening, the Senate voted 56-44 to continue the trials into a second day.

Blake Haas can be reached at [email protected].

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