Vermont lawmakers introduce impeachment resolution

MONTPELIER, Vt. --At least a dozen legislators are calling for the impeachment of President Bush, making Vermont the second Legislature in the country to take up the issue.

Rep. David Zuckerman, P-Burlington, introduced the resolution Tuesday, which was endorsed by 12 Democrats and Progressives and one independent. The measure asks Congress to "initiate impeachment proceedings against President George W. Bush."

"George W. Bush has committed high crimes and misdemeanors as he has repeatedly and intentionally violated the United States Constitution and other laws of the United States," the resolution says.

The Vermont Democratic Party also is requesting Congress to investigate the president and an impeachment resolution was introduced in the Illinois Legislature on Monday.

The state party decided two weeks ago to leave the Legislature out of its measure.

Republicans criticized the latest effort against Bush.

"Instead of focusing on the real priorities and needs of the people of Vermont -- like affordable health care, property tax relief, college scholarships and good paying jobs -- Democrats in the Legislature continue to consume themselves with partisan fantasies of impeaching the president, raising the gas tax and banning the cropping of dogs' ears," said Vermont Republican Party Chairman James Barnett. "If this is the best they can do at this late hour of the legislative session, then it's time to close down shop and go home for the summer so they can explain to their constituents that they didn't reform health care because they were too busy trying to impeach the president."

Democratic officials also would not endorse Zuckerman's resolution.

"We support the resolution that was passed unanimously by the Vermont Democratic Party state committee and encourage Congress to initiate an investigation into President Bush's blatant disregard for the law," said Andy Bouska, communications director for the party.

It's unlikely that the the resolution will pass this late in the session with a mixed response from top legislators.

The resolution may have to go before a committee where testimony would be heard, House Speaker Gaye Symington, D-Jericho, has indicated.

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Information from: Rutland Herald, http://www.rutlandherald.com/