State Reps. Joe Hohenstein and Mary Isaacson voted against impeaching District Attorney Larry Krasner.
The House voted 107-85 to impeach Krasner, with no Democrats voting in favor. Krasner will go on trial in the Senate, and five Democrats will have to vote to convict him to remove him from office, assuming all Republicans vote to convict.
House Majority Leader Kerry Benninghoff made the following statement:
“By impeaching Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner, we put ourselves on the record that we stand with the people of Philadelphia who have been living in fear for their lives and the safety of themselves and their families. We are standing up for those who do not have a voice, but long for safety and freedom from fear.
“What is clear is that the Philadelphia district attorney, through his improper use of prosecutorial discretion, has implemented policies and mismanaged his office in such a way that its purposeful ineffectiveness in combating the crime and violence crisis gripping the city has contributed to the problem itself. We did not take this path lightly or with joy and eagerness. But the impeachment of Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner is without a doubt the right thing to do.”
Krasner issued a statement that read, in part, “Each Philadelphia voter is not just 3/5ths of a voter. Philadelphia is not Pennsylvania’s colony. Philadelphians get taxation and representation. Philadelphians’ votes, and Philadelphia voters, should not be erased. History will harshly judge this anti-democratic authoritarian effort to erase Philly’s votes – votes by black, brown and broke people in Philadelphia. And voters will have the last word.”
Hohenstein issued a statement outlining why he believes the impeachment resolution was wrong. He called it “shameful” and a “last-minute, lame duck session desperation move to impeach another duly elected official over political differences.” He said the investigation focused on one political lightning rod instead of what he said are complicated issues and causes of violence. He said the move to impeach one person for a statewide and nationwide problem does not make people safer.
Hohenstein said constituents are welcome to call his office at 215-744-2600 to discuss his vote. ••
