@SenToomey was asked about impeachment talk surrounding the PA Supreme Court on their gerrymandering decision. He calls it conversation that has to happen. pic.twitter.com/RAkRdQHVdX
— Sean Kitchen (@RCPress_Sean) February 21, 2018
Pennsylvania Sen. Pat Toomey (R) called for a “conversation” about impeaching state Supreme Court justices over their new congressional map, which both parties say will benefit Democrats.
At a press conference, Toomey said it was “inevitable” that state lawmakers would consider impeachment over the redrawing of the state’s new congressional maps, which he called a “power grab” by state Democrats.
{mosads}
“Look, I think it’s inevitable that that conversation’s going to take place,” Toomey said. “I think state House members and state senators are going to be speaking amongst themselves and their constituents, and the fundamental question is does this blatant, unconstitutional, partisan power grab that undermines our electoral process, does that rise to the level of impeachment?”
The new map released this week redraws congressional boundaries, throwing out a map written by Republicans that gerrymandered lines to benefit their party.
Republican lawmakers in Pennsylvania are expected to sue to overturn the new maps, which were put in place by the state’s Supreme Court after Democrats and Republicans in the state were unable to agree on a new map.
“State and federal GOP officials will sue in federal court as soon as tomorrow to prevent the new partisan map from taking effect,” National Republican Congressional Committee spokesman Matt Gorman said in a statement Tuesday.
“The suit will highlight the state supreme court’s rushed decision that created chaos, confusion, and unnecessary expense in the 2018 election cycle.”
President Trump also weighed in on the redistricting fight Tuesday, urging GOP lawmakers to take the case all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court if necessary.
“Hope Republicans in the Great State of Pennsylvania challenge the new ‘pushed’ Congressional Map, all the way to the Supreme Court, if necessary,” Trump tweeted. “Your Original was correct! Don’t let the Dems take elections away from you so that they can raise taxes & waste money!”
Democrats have celebrated the court’s new map, however, saying in a statement Monday that the decision represents “fairness” for Pennsylvania voters.
“These new remedial maps mean fairness for the voters of Pennsylvania, who have long been subject to outsized Republican representation due to gerrymandering,” Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee communications director Meredith Kelly said.
“More maps should look like Pennsylvania’s, so that there is a level playing field for candidates to compete and earn the trust of voters.”