GOP State Lawmaker Calls For Impeachment of PA Supreme Court

What’s the story?

The gerrymandering drama in Pennsylvania has taken another turn. Pennsylvania Rep. Cris Dush (R) has called for impeachment of the state Supreme Court over their decision to strike down the state’s congressional map as a partisan gerrymander. Impeachment would be possible because Pennsylvania’s supreme court justices are elected officials.

Prior to Dush’s call for impeachment, Pennsylvania Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R) defied the state supreme court’s order to turn over gerrymandering data.

Dush’s declaration, which was made in session, was also documented in a memorandum circulated on Facebook. He argues that the decision to direct the legislature to redraw the districts, and to have other authorities step in if the legislature does not meet the prescribed deadlines, is a usurpation of the legislature's powers as dictated by the state constitution.

Here is Dush’s calling for impeachment in session:

Per CNN, impeachment in Pennsylvania requires votes by the majority of the House and two-thirds of the Senate. Republicans hold 34 of Pennsylvania's 50 state Senate seats, or 68 percent. Of the 203 seats in the General Assembly, Republicans hold 120.

What do you think?

Do you support the Republican efforts to resist the redistricting ordered by the state supreme court? Why or why not? Do you live in Pennsylvania? What do you think will happen regarding impeachment?

Tell us in the comments what you think, then use the Take Action button to tell your reps!

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— Asha Sanaker

(Photo Credit: Wikimedia / Creative Commons)