IMPEACHED: Here’s what Mike Turner, Jim Jordan, Warren Davidson and Ohio lawmakers said and how they voted

Note from Community Impact Editor Amelia Robinson: This piece appeared on the Ideas and Voices page Thursday, Jan. 15.

Donald Trump became the first American president in history to be impeached twice on Wednesday, Jan. 13 with a 232 to 197 vote mostly down part lines.

All Ohio Democrats voted for impeachment. Congressman Anthony Gonzalez was the only Ohio Republican lawmakers to vote for impeachment.

He was among 10 Republicans, Liz Cheney included, to vote to impeach Trump a week after he said told supporters to fight like hell at a rally that proceeded the Capitol riots.

“We love you. You’re very special. Go home,” Trump said in video released during the seizure of the Capitol.

It is not clear when the Senate will hold an impeachment trial. Below are except of what Ohio lawmakers said of impeachment.

PROCCESS ABSENT OF DUE PROCESS

“A violent mob rioted and stormed the Capitol in a futile attempt to overturn the results of a free and fair election. They failed. In less than a week, President Trump is leaving office disgraced and discredited for his efforts to overturn the 2020 election. However, Speaker Pelosi’s snap impeachment is absent due process, hearings, witnesses and violates our responsibilities under the Constitution. For these reasons, I could not support it.” Congressman Mike Turner (R-Dayton) in a Jan. 13 statement.

PRESIDENT UNHINGED AND DANGEROUS

“The 2021 Capitol Insurrection instigated by Trump was an attack on democracy, our way of life, and the American people. He’s desperate, unhinged and dangerous. He must removed from office.” Joyce Beatty (D-Columbus) in a January Tweet with a video of her statement on the House floor. Beatty is a Dayton native and chair of the Congressional Black Caucus.

PRESIDENT UNDER ATTACK FROM BEGINNING

“They spied on President Trump’s campaign in 2016. They put him through the phony Russia hoax from 2017-2019. They investigated his family and friends. They impeached him once. And today, they’re trying to do it again. Despite all that, he never stopped working for you.” Jim Jordan via Twitter on Wednesday.” Congressman Jim Jordan in a Jan. 13 Tweet.

HE TOLD THEM TO ‘FIGHT LIKE HELL,’ THEY DID

“The invaders, many in paramilitary attire, called for the execution of the Vice President, the Speaker of the House, and other Members. Some carried law-enforcement style handcuffs, bear spray, and firearms, while others erected a gallows outside and placed pipe-bombs nearby. All the while, President Trump failed to take any meaningful steps to call off the attack, despite calls imploring him to do so as the events played out on live television. The attack was explicitly incited by Donald Trump as he dispatched marchers to the Capitol ‘to fight.’ His incitement of the attack represents quite possibly the most significant example of complete moral failing by any President in American history.” Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (D-Toledo) taken from press release issued Jan. 13.

THE PRESIDENT INCITED MOB

“The President of the United States helped organize and incite a mob that attacked the United States Congress in an attempt to prevent us from completing our solemn duties as prescribed by the Constitution,” Rep. Gonzalez continued. “In doing so, five people have died - including a Capitol Police officer - many more have been injured, and our democracy has been shaken.

During the attack itself, the President abandoned his post while many members asked for help, thus further endangering all present. These are fundamental threats not just to people’s lives but to the very foundation of our Republic.” Congressman Anthony Gonzalez (R-Rocky River) in a Jan. 13 statement.

IMPEACHMENT A POLICAL EFFORT TO FURTHER DIVIDE AMERICANS

“I will oppose any and all efforts by Congress to influence Vice President Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment, including today’s nonbinding resolution. The 25 Amendment designates to the Cabinet the power to remove a sitting president: The President is fit to serve out his remaining eight days in office. “I similarly reject House Democrats’ politically motivated bid to impeach President Trump a second time. The Senate cannot possibly hear the rushed case for impeachment before President Trump’s term in office expires. To hold a trial after President Biden takes office would serve only to rub salt in America’s wounds. ” Congressman Warren Davidson (R-Troy)

PRESIDENT LEAVES STAIN ON HISTORY

“There is no place in our democracy for a president who incites violence to overturn the result of a free and fair election. After Vice President Pence failed to act, the House was left with no choice but to impeach this dangerous and unfit president. I stood today with lawmakers from many different states and political backgrounds, and we said in no uncertain terms: democracy will not be intimidated. President Trump’s dangerous behavior will remain a stain on our nation’s history, but we will carry forward and ensure there is a peaceful transition of power on January 20.” Congressman Tim Ryan (D=Youngstown) in a press release issue Jan. 13.

AMERICA BEING TORN APART

“Madam Speaker, America is at a crossroads. As the violent riots at the Capitol last week so painfully and shockingly reminded us, the unhinged partisan rhetoric that too often consumes the political dialogue in this country has become toxic and is tearing us apart. If we continue down this path, there’s no telling how much damage for union there may be. Sadly, that’s what’s happening here today.” Steve Chabot (R-Westwood) during House floor speech.