A group of Pennsylvania representatives are backing a resolution in the House that calls for the impeachment of Gov. Tom Wolf.
While Rep. Martin Causer, R-Turtlepoint, is not a co-sponsor of the resolution, he acknowledged that it contains allegations which should be reviewed.
“I think there are definitely examples of executive overreach, especially with the coronavirus response,” Causer said.
There are five articles of impeachment in the resolution, which was introduced by Rep. Daryl Metcalfe, R- Cranberry Township, and has been referred to the judiciary committee.
The first article indicated Wolf did not have the authority to close businesses and mandate state residents to stay home. The second referred to the business closure and “arbitrary and capricious manner” in which a waiver process was applied. The third article referred to the failure of the unemployment process and lengthy delays for receiving benefits. The fourth indicated the governor failed in his duty to protect residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities. And the fifth was the alleged withholding of “critical information” by failing to respond to Right To Know requests during the outbreak.
“I think we do need to proceed carefully when we talk impeachment,” Causer said. “That’s why the committee review would be important.”
There are other factors that must be taken into account as well.
“Another important thing to consider is who is behind him,” he said. “Lieutenant Governor (John) Fetterman may be more problematic.”
Causer explained he hasn’t ruled out supporting the measure, and wants to see what the committee’s findings are before he makes a decision.
“It will definitely take some time to review,” he said. “It’s something that has to have a deliberative approach. You have to make sure you have thoroughly reviewed the allegations.”
Pennsylvania’s Republicans in the General Assembly have been critical of Wolf’s actions throughout the pandemic.
Legislators voted to end the Wolf-declared state of emergency, while Wolf said the legislature has no power to do so. The Republican leadership of the Senate, Joe Scarnati, R-Brockway, and Jake Corman, R-Bellefonte, filed suit against Wolf, who in turn, filed suit against them.
The lawsuits currently remain ongoing.
