Stephanie Herseth Sandlin: “we either respect the Constitution and the rule of law or we do not. It is as simple as that. What is the test for…”

“we either respect the Constitution and the rule of law or we do not. It is as simple as that. What is the test for impeachment? The test is not disappointment. It is not disapproval. It is not even moral outrage. The test is set out clearly in our Constitution. The Constitution says that one can be impeached only for misconduct in the performance of official duties that endangers our system of government. No such allegations have been made, no such evidence has been presented. No such burden has been met. Certainly the President's conduct is disappointing. But ask yourself this: What action has the President taken in his official capacity as President of the United States that endangers the government of the United States? I believe the answer is clear. We are in a defining moment in American history. We stand today a lame duck Congress poised to impeach a President for unconstitutional reasons, along partisan lines, in the middle of an armed conflict. What could be more ridiculous than that? We are legislators, not investigators. Let us conclude this matter in accordance with the Constitution.”