BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — Rep. Mike Simpson and Rep. Russ Fulcher both sent statements to CBS2 Wednesday night, after the impeachment vote, to explain why they voted against the articles of impeachment.
Simpson’s Statement:
“Today, the House takes another historic vote. Unfortunately, this vote does more damage than good and further divides our country. A group of Democrats, Members of the House and my colleagues, have taken their displeasure with the results of the 2016 presidential election and plunged our nation into a vicious debate, one that started before the President was even sworn into office.
Facts are sacrificed for political grandstanding, the personal character of opponents is impugned, and the media tells whichever side of the story it prefers. Speaker Nancy Pelosi set a requirement that for impeachment to proceed, there needed to be bipartisan support. Today, we don’t have bipartisan support for impeachment, in fact, the only bipartisan vote today is AGAINST impeachment. I am gravely disappointed. Introducing articles of impeachment is one of the most solemn powers of Congress, ranking in importance alongside the power to declare war.”
Fulcher’s Statement:
“Today, a stain will be left on the history of the U.S. House of Representatives one which neither fact nor time will be able to wipe clean. Like other blights on history, this one is self-induced by the selfish ambition of mankind. Having found themselves more desiring of power than service, the stewards of a once-honorable democrat party have weaponized the congressional process – one that was intended for liberty – in a desperate attempt to remove an American President and gain more control.
Although the attempt will ultimately fail, the stain will remain. And so it is. Now, the responsibility for any positive mitigation lies with our nation’s parents and grandparents, to use this stain as a tool for teaching – and to explain to future Americans such that this will never happen again.”
CBS2 also reached out to Sen. Mike Crapo and Sen. Jim Risch for statements. Risch has not responded.
Crapo’s team said he has not changed his position and is withholding further comment until the Senate takes up the matter. Below is his official statement:
“I have yet to see anything impeachable in what has been a politicized process in the House. I expect a more fair and complete process before there is a vote in the Senate.”
670 KBOI also interviewed Idaho GOP Chairman Raul Labrador on Wednesday.
President Donald Trump became the third U.S. president in history to be impeached after Bill Clinton and Andrew Johnson
The House of Representatives impeached Pres. Trump Wednesday evening approving two charges: abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.
Find original article at idahonews.com