Frustrated GOP lawmakers weigh move to impeach top judges

[Zorro]

Source: AP

Republican lawmakers in Kansas, weary of conflicts with a judiciary that has been pushing for more school spending, are beginning to act on a measure to expand the legal grounds for impeaching judges.

The move is part of an intensified effort in red states to reshape courts still dominated by moderate judges from earlier administrations.

A committee in the GOP-controlled Senate plans to vote Tuesday on a bill that would make "attempting to usurp the power" of the Legislature or the executive branch grounds for impeachment.

Impeachment has "been a little-used tool" to challenge judges who strike down new legislation, said Republican Sen. Dennis Pyle, a sponsor of the measure. "Maybe it needs to be oiled up a little bit or sharpened a little bit."

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/frustrated-gop-lawmakers-weigh-move-impeach-top-judges-193740406.html

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I'm glad I don't live in Kansas. My condolences to those who do.

[Zambero]

1. So who needs checks and balances?

A rubber stamp legislature and a kangaroo court is all that's needed!

[JGug1]

2. Living In Kansas

I live in Kansas. I was raised in Connecticut but stayed here after graduating from Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine. The state has been very good to me. Having said that, the government here is horrible. It isn't the judges who should be impeached but Brownback. Unfortunately, there is no cause that allows his impeachment.

[Yallow]

3. Screwing Kids Out Of An Education To Free Up $$ For Corporate Tax Cuts = Conservatism

Conservatism at it's finest.

If the kids were well educated, none would be conservative, or Republican.

Makes sense.

Screw the kiddies.

Money better spent elsewhere supporting the filthy rich.

[pansypoo53219]

6. creates more publikans

[houston16revival]

4. Can't the judges

just rule the new laws unconstitutional?

It's not a legislative function to tell the judges how to rule

Separation of powers is a bedrock in most states, no?

Maybe not airtight, but still in there.

[LiberalFighter]

14. I would say so.

Their constitution limits what the state legislator can impeach anyone.


Article II
§ 27: Impeachment. The house of representatives shall have the sole power to impeach. All impeachments shall be tried by the senate; and when sitting for that purpose, the senators shall take an oath to do justice according to the law and the evidence. No person shall be convicted without the concurrence of two-thirds of the senators then elected (or appointed) and qualified.

§ 28: Officers impeachable; grounds; punishment. The governor and all other officers under this constitution, shall be removed from office on impeachment for, and conviction of treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors.


Article III
§ 15: Removal of justices and judges. Justices of the supreme court may be removed from office by impeachment and conviction as prescribed in article 2 of this constitution. In addition to removal by impeachment and conviction, justices may be retired after appropriate hearing, upon certification to the governor, by the supreme court nominating commission that such justice is so incapacitated as to be unable to perform adequately his duties. Other judges shall be subject to retirement for incapacity, and to discipline, suspension and removal for cause by the supreme court after appropriate hearing.

[valerief]

5. Assholes. Why are these assholes allowed to breathe?

[Old Vet]

7. Is anyone really surprised..................

These knuckle draggers should surprise no-one.

[Chicago1980]

8. Republicans are good at keeping their electorate dumb and this is one way how.

So this legislature wants to hurt the kids because they were irresponsible and cut taxes to the extent that their coffers are now bare.

Geniuses (sarc).

[Lodestar]

9. IF successful you can bet this will be done in other states

This is how it happens...through a million cuts in the fabric of our local and national governments... and ALL states need to be vigilant and pro-active. They count on
flying under the radar and not running into serious push back.

[LastLiberal in PalmSprings]

11. When Michigan passed Snyder's "emergency manager" law the people overturned it by proposition

so the legislature passed the exact same law again with the addendum that it could not be overturned by proposition.

Republican Rule #1: If you can't win under the existing rules, change the rules.

[Lodestar]

12. Exxxxactly! Vigilance!!!

[blackspade]

10. WTF?

[tazkcmo]

13. "My condolences to those who do."

I have a sister that lives in KC, KS and many friends. None of them vote but most sure beat on "Libtards" constantly. I have no sympathy for them (including my sister who is on disability so should be the first in line to vote!). They got exactly what they wanted. Two times.

[TeamPooka]

15. The only good activist judge is one who bans abortion. #GOPRules