Congressional Candidate Rick Olson (MN2) Breaks Party Ranks

Statement on Impeachment Vote in the U.S. House of Representatives

Rick Olson, Republican Candidate for Congress, MN District 2
For more info: 320-248-9933, olson48176@gmail.com, http://rickolsonforcongress.com
Sunday, December 15, 2019 – For immediate Release

This morning a Star Tribune reporter informed me that Angie Craig had decided to vote “yes” next week on the motion in the U.S. House of Representatives to impeach President Trump, and asked me if I were in her shoes, how would I vote.

When I took office as a State Representative in Michigan in 2011, I swore an oath to uphold the U.S. Constitution. That oath is still binding today.

I understand the Founding Fathers viewed the impeachment process as very similar to the process in a criminal court. The prosecution presents evidence in a preliminary hearing. If the judge hears sufficient evidence to believe a crime has been committed, taking the evidence as true on its face in the absence of any defense from the defendant, then the defendant is bound over for trial. At the trial, the defendant is given the opportunity to present evidence and cross examine the witnesses brought by the prosecution. If the jury believes the prosecution has proven the case against the defendant beyond a reasonable doubt, the jury may convict the defendant.

In this impeachment process, the House stands in the role of the judge in a preliminary hearing, has heard evidence and has heard explanations of the law. The members are duty bound to decide whether there is a prima facie case of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. The Founding Fathers expected the members of the House to objectively cast their votes. With the President choosing not to present any evidence (if fact, prohibiting documents from being produced and witnesses from testifying that the House Committees wanted), the only evidence on the record is for a vote “yes”.

Thus, Angie Craig deciding to vote “yes” is no surprise. I also expected that as she has consistently voted with her Democrat caucus despite claiming to be “bipartisan” and “a moderate”. However, in this case I do not condemn her for this vote, as if I were in her shoes, I would feel I would also have to vote “yes” to comply with my oath to uphold the Constitution. Even Fox News’ constitutional law Judge Andrew Napolitano has said there is “enough evidence to justify about three or four Articles of Impeachment” and that “he would certainly vote to impeach President Trump”.

If the House votes to impeach the President next week as expected, the President will have the trial he says he wants in the Senate as the Senate in its role as jury decides whether to convict and remove the President – if Republican Senator McConnell will allow him to present witnesses.

Now others who have not sworn to uphold the Constitution may be free to differ in their opinions. But, one of the reasons I am running for Congress is that I believe that the limits of power and the separation and balance of power between the executive, legislative and judicial branches have been so greatly eroded that the Founding Fathers would not recognize the government we have today. It would be hypocritical for me to vote “no”, just because it would be more comfortable and convenient politically while I seek the Republican party endorsement.

While no one wants to be in position to cast a vote like this, this is not a hard decision, despite the anguish that Angie Craig tries to project. It is only hard if you are worried about how it will look politically.

I could have tried to evade the reporter’s questions, but it is my hope that courage in one’s convictions and honesty are still regarded as virtues in today’s rancorous politics.