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What would it take to have a Senator impeached?
By Brett on Thu, 11/13/2008 - 7:47pm
Kevin John Sowyrda wonders:
...what exactly would it take for the upper chamber of the Great and General Court to expel one of their own for actions unbecoming a member of the Commonwealth’s not so elite, 40-member club?
Meanwhile, Wilkerson, indicted on numerous federal criminal charges, continues to collect pay as a Massachusetts senator. At $58,237 per year (roughly the fourth-highest legislative salary in the Union, not including the $10-100 per diem when away from the statehouse). That's around ten thousand dollars; your tax dollars at work.
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Comments
What would it take to impeach a Senator - Part 2
Facing sex charges, Marzilli represents Mass. Senate in Germany
I'm surprised they let him in
Although Jim was still a seated senator at the time, so he is entitled to be called such. That said, I'm surprised he was able to travel abroad if he is well enough to do so - he hasn't been convicted, but I would think that it would be a flight risk situation at the very least.
Still a senator, but a lame duck senator
since he had already lost the September Democratic primary (by not actively running). I'm not sure how useful it is to send such a person overseas on a mission, even if he were not accused of a serious crime.
The issue is...
...that Wilkerson has only been indicted -- not convicted. If we are to honor the "innocent until proven guilty" bits of the Constitution, she shouldn't be booted.
On the other hand, there *have* been folks convicted of crimes (Buddy) and put in jail while in public office (James Michael) who have then continued (Ted "Series of Tubes") to serve in elected positions...
My Google Fu Fails me
Between the Massachusetts Impeachment Coalition (trying to impeach Bush and Cheney from the home front ...) and the "Impeach Margaret Marshall because she says Gays can marry" crowd, I can't get a good fix on the actual laws involved.