Jim Ramstad: “this has been the most difficult, gut- wrenching decision I have made in my 18 years of public service. In making my…”

“this has been the most difficult, gut- wrenching decision I have made in my 18 years of public service. In making my decision, I have been obligated to put personal feelings and political concerns aside to focus solely on my constitutional obligation. The impeachment matter is a trauma for our nation and the decision demands careful and thoughtful deliberation and much soul searching. A decision of this magnitude required me to examine all of the evidence, listen to all the legal arguments and search my conscience. As a former Criminal Justice Act lawyer, I have objectively reviewed all the evidence, heard all the arguments and searched my conscience. I have regrettably and sadly concluded that sufficient evidence of perjury exists to send this matter to the Senate. I cast my votes solely on the evidence and the law consistent with my conscience. Impeachment is similar to an indictment, or a formal charge of wrongdoing, and I believe the evidence of perjury before the grand jury and obstruction of justice meet the ``clear and convincing'' threshold for moving the process forward. I have also concluded these charges rise to the level of an impeachable offense pursuant to the Constitution of the United States. In the final analysis, it all comes down to perjury and covering up perjury. The compelling reason for impeachment is that the President's perjury has undermined the rule of law. The laws against perjury are the glue that holds our legal system together.…”