Ohio Democrats Mull Governor Impeachment

[CatWoman]

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Ohio's House Democrats are considering impeachment proceedings against Republican Gov. Bob Taft, who pleaded no contest last week to four ethics violations.

House Minority Leader Chris Redfern said Sunday that Democrats had made no decision yet about whether to seek Taft's ouster — impeachment would be difficult if not impossible with Republicans controlling both houses of the Legislature.

But he said they had asked the Legislature's legal research arm to outline the impeachment process so they understand it when they meet Tuesday to discuss a response.

"Impeachment is such a serious thing, and it's not something to be careless about," Redfern said. "But we would all do well as members of the House to understand what the process is."

The House Democrats will also consider other alternatives, including asking Taft to resign, Redfern said.

Governor's press secretary Mark Rickel did not immediately return calls seeking comment Sunday.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20050821/ap_on_re_us/ohio_governor

[Name removed]

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[bluestateguy]

2. That they might have a fighting chance at

Even as the minority in the legislature, Taft is so unpopular right now that Democrats might get some traction by at least suggesting an impeachment inquiry.

On the other hand, I am convinced that Taft is a valuable albatross upon which Democrats in Ohio can hang other Republican candidates in 2006. Kicking him out now allows Republicans a fresh start and too much time to recover for 2006.

[RSchewe]

11. I agree, or maybe a long drawn out impeachment that links to all of...

the other crooks in the Ohio state government that are also involved.

[LaurenG]

3. Oh I do hope that they continue their

investigation. The last thing we need is for Blackwell to be loose and able to run for Governor. May this be only the beginning.

Spelling

[Canuckistanian]

4. Mull? As in 'consider'?

A governor gets convicted for a crime and the best they can do is 'mull'?

Take a page from the republicans playbook, guys. You should have been screaming at the top of your lungs during the indictment stage.

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

5. Oh please let it be so

:applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause:

[salin]

6. Wait until more comes out.

The golf outings are nothing compared to what seems to be lurking behind the Noe story, which is just a symptom of the rampant corruption which appears to be quite active in Columbus. Use the big guns (impeachment) when that further unfolds.

[ourbluenation]

7. We have a little thing out here in Cali called "recall"...

and we'd be happy to send it to Ohio.

[seriousstan]

8. Really? How's that working out for you?

[jaysunb]

10. Pretty well....considering

We haven't gone bankrupt, we still have the majority of the elected officials and Democrats are more united than ever. Independents and decline to states have turned on everything Republican.

I wish it had not happened but, we are now enjoying "lemonade"
:toast:

[LisaL]

9. Mull? If the governor was a democrat, do you think republicans

would be mulling? Or would they be demanding an impeachment?

[mtnester]

12. Taft will be going NOWHERE...this is the appropriate noise the Dems need

to make and that will be all it is...noise...as an Ohioan and from speaking with strategists from BOTH sides of the aisle, Taft is far more valuable to the Dem cause sitting right where he is.

If he is impeached and removed, which the Repubs want very badly to do themselves, the Ohio Lege which is completely Repub controlled will bypass the Lt. Governor and appoint Blackwell. The he gets to run as an incumbent, sitting governor.

No, we need to keep that corrupt asswipe right where he is to remind everyone in Nov. 2006.

[sasquatch]

13. Sweet Jesus I hope they do

:bounce:

[VegasWolf]

14. I am so sick of the impotence of the Democratic Leadership that I

am for now on out working with others to build a viable 3rd party.