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Central Illinois Delegation Splits Along Party Lines On Impeachment

As expected, Central Illinois' congressional delegation split along party lines on the roll call for two articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump.

U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos (D-Moline) voted to impeach Trump for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood (R-Peoria) and Adam Kinzinger (R-Channahon) both voted no.

“As I have said throughout this process, impeachment is the nuclear option, reserved for the most treasonous and criminal activity. In this case, House Democrats have failed to present evidence to support the high threshold for impeachment," said LaHood in prepared remarks. "Moreover, the entire process has lacked due process, transparency, and fairness. Impeachment is the most consequential act Congress can take, and it is disappointing the Democrats are moving ahead with the fastest and most partisan impeachment process in our country’s history."

LaHood also spoke briefly on the House floor Tuesday evening.

Kinzinger, an occasional Trump critic, said the foundation for the articles of impeachment was "weak."

“Ignoring the right of due process, as my colleagues have done, ignores past precedent for impeachment in favor of a highly partisan, politically driven process. It did not help inform the public and it delayed our legislative work on behalf of the people we serve," he said. 

Both congressmen called for lawmakers to move on. 

Bustos released this statement the day before the impeachment vote. 

“With both a profound sense of constitutional duty and deep respect for the Office of the Presidency, I will solemnly cast my vote in favor of both articles of impeachment for Senate consideration. No one is above the law, and there is beyond ample evidence that President Trump abused the tremendous powers of the presidency to jeopardize our national security and that of our allies," she said. 

No Republicans voted for the articles of impeachment. Democratic Rep. Collin Peterson of Minnesota and Jeff Van Drew cast "no" votes. Van Drew is widely expected to join the Republican Party. Maine's Jared Golden voted for the abuse of power article, but not obstruction of Congress.

Hawaii's Tulsi Gabbard, a Democratic presidential long-shot, voted "present" on both articles. 

The articles now move to the Senate for a trial. 

Copyright 2021 WCBU. To see more, visit WCBU.

Tim Shelley is the News Director at WCBU Peoria Public Radio.