Reindeer Farmer Turned Mich. Congressman Wishes To Impeach Obama
BIRMINGHAM (WWJ/AP) - A congressman from Metro Detroit says it would be a "dream come true" to seek the impeachment of President Barack Obama.
Republican U.S. Rep. Kerry Bentivolio of Milford made the comment to supporters during a town hall meeting Monday in Birmingham. The talk was posted on YouTube.
In response to a woman's question about impeaching the president, Bentivolio, a tea party favorite, said he wishes he could submit an impeachment bill. In her question, the woman accused the president of violating the Constitution, but wasn't specific.
"If I could write that bill and submit it, it would be a dream come true. I feel your pain, I know because I stood 12 feet away from the guy and listened to him and I couldn't stand being there," he said.
But, in order to do so, Bentivolio would need evidence of crimes to back such a move.
"I went back to my office and I've had lawyers come in... and I said 'Tell me how I can impeach the President of the United States.' What evidence do you have? You've got to have the evidence," he said.
So, without any evidence, Bentivolio said it's his job to respect the office of the presidency.
"Until we have evidence, you're going to become a laughing-stock if you submitted the bill to impeach the president. Because you, number one, you've got to convince the press, and there are some people out there, no matter what Obama does, he's still the greatest president they've ever had. That's what you're fighting," he said.
Bentivolio's career in state politics began last year after he won a special election to replace Thaddeus McCotter for the House seat in Michigan's 11th District. Prior to being elected, Bentivolio was a school teacher and a reindeer farmer.
McCotter left office in the wake of an investigation into his campaign workers by the state Attorney General for possible fraud after the Secretary of State determined he submitted duplicate signatures to have his name put on the August Primary ballot.
The 11th District includes Westland and Livonia in Wayne County, a piece of Southfield in Oakland County, Highland and White Lake Townships.
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