All four Democratic congressional representatives from San Diego County joined in the vote to impeach President Donald Trump Wednesday while the only local Republican representative voted against it.
U.S Representatives Mike Levin from District 49, Juan Vargas from District 51, Scott Peters from District 52 and Sara Jacobs from District 53 were among the 232 House Democrats who voted for impeachment.
U.S. Representative Darrell Issa from District 50 was among the 197 Republican members of Congress who voted against impeachment, which was supported by 10 GOP representatives.
Issa, Levin and Jacobs spoke before Congress during the impeachment hearing Wednesday, while Peters and Vargas shared their opinions on Twitter, in press releases and in op-ed pieces.
“What each of us chooses to do today, whether we vote to hold this president to account or look the other way, will be remembered by history, by our children and their children,” Levin said.
“The facts are clear. The evidence of Trump’s insurrection overwhelming. History calls on us to do what’s right rather than just politically expedient. Let us look back on this day with honor, not disgrace, knowing we were up to the oath we all took.”
Issa said the call to impeach the president was not about the siege that happened at the Capitol last week but was punishment by Democrats for what Trump has done over the last four years. He said the president has always spoken his mind without a filter, but that was not what was being debated before Congress.
“What’s being debated is whether, with 167 hours left until he leaves office, is he a clear and present danger?” Issa said. “And he clearly isn’t.”
Issa also was among the 139 representatives who voted against accepting the Electoral College votes from Arizona and Pennsylvania.
Issa also said Democrats are overplaying last week’s violence at the U.S. Capitol.
He tweeted Wednesday afternoon that the vote would drive the nation further apart.
“I’m disappointed with today’s vote and concerned about the bitterness it will make even worse,” he wrote.
Jacobs told Congress the president should be held accountable for the violence that followed his address to supporters last Wednesday.
“Without accountability, more violence will follow,” she said.
“I learned that working at the United Nations and the State Department in conflict settings around the world, and the United States Congress is now a conflict setting. A violent mob threatened our lives in this chamber, and almost succeeded, incited by the president who broadcasted lies about the outcome of our election. We must hold this president accountable. It’s the only way to protect our democracy.”
Peters posted a statement on his website explaining his vote for impeachment.
“Today, I honored my oath to defend the Constitution from all foreign and domestic enemies; I voted — again — to impeach President Donald Trump,” he wrote. “President Trump urged his followers last week to ‘be strong,’ ‘march to the Capitol’ and ‘fight like hell.’ By doing so, he provoked a violent assault on the People’s House that terrorized the nation and led to the death of five Americans. It’s clear he’s unable to do his job, has complete disregard for democracy and is a grave threat to the country.”
In a San Diego Union-Tribune op-ed last week, Peters blamed the violence at the U.S. Capitol on Trump’s continued claims of election fraud.
“Wednesday we were reminded that words matter,” he wrote.
“When the president claims fraud and his allies bow down when they should stand up, anarchy is invited. The presidency is not a job for a feckless reality TV narcissist with no appreciation of history or democracy. Fortunately, voters have recognized that.”
Vargas tweeted Wednesday afternoon: “I just voted in favor of impeaching Trump. I urge McConnell to act immediately in the best interest of the American people.”
He made a longer statement Saturday in a press conference in front of the Hall of Justice in downtown San Diego, where he called Trump “unhinged” and “unchained” and said impeachment was necessary for the safety of the world because of Trump’s access to nuclear weapons.
“I’m not so much worried about our country being divided,” he said. “It’s already divided. I’m more worried about a nuclear catastrophe. We have to secure our country.”
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San Diego representatives voted on impeachment along party lines - The San Diego Union-Tribune
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