Jim Hagedorn: “Many members of this body have publicly voiced support for impeachment since before this President was sworn into…”

“Many members of this body have publicly voiced support for impeachment since before this President was sworn into office--some even skipping the Inauguration, a time-honored American tradition, because they viewed him as an illegitimate President. For a significant number of my colleagues, this will not be the first--and possibly not even the last time they vote to impeach President Trump. Several have openly admitted they are concerned if they don't vote to impeach the President, he will be reelected. Even the highest-ranking member of this body publicly stated that this process has been two and a half years in the making. The Speaker admitted this just months after she told the American people that impeachment would need to be compelling, overwhelming and bipartisan. Yet, the only thing bipartisan about this impeachment is the opposition to it. Here are the facts: Both President Trump and President Zelensky say there was no pressure. The call transcript shows no conditionality--or ``quid pro quo''-- between aid and an investigation. The Ukrainians were not aware that aid was withheld when Trump and Zelensky spoke. Ukraine did not open an investigation, and still received aid and a meeting with President Trump. The sad truth is that this has been an overtly political process from the very beginning, and an unwarranted attempt to remove our duly elected President from office.…”