Panetta opposes move to impeach Trump

CONGRESSMAN JIMMY Panetta Wednesday joined most of his Democratic colleagues in the House of Representatives — and every GOP member — in rejecting an attempt to impeach President Donald Trump.

Panetta told The Pine Cone Wednesday that the articles of impeachment — which were brought to the House floor by Democratic Texas Congressman Al Green — must be considered with the utmost seriousness, regardless of political party, and he explained the reasoning behind his vote.

"Though the president has made statements and taken actions that have raised questions about his fitness to lead this nation, it is premature to bring forward this resolution before the investigations are complete," Panetta told The Pine Cone. "That is why I voted against Congressman Al Green's impeachment resolution."

Panetta said that as a former prosecutor, he understands and values "the importance of presenting concrete, credible evidence through a proper investigation to prove a case," and he said he would wait until special prosecutor Robert Mueller wrapped up an investigation on whether the Trump campaign colluded with Russia to win the 2016 presidential election.

"I believe that bringing forward an impeachment resolution at this time could undermine any future impeachment proceedings," Panetta said. There is so far no indication that the Trump campaign colluded with Russia during last year's election.

While Green had tried to force a vote on impeachment, House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, from Bakersfield, presented a motion to table the resolution, which members approved 364-58. Panetta joined 27 California Democratic representatives, including House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and other Democratic leaders, in killing the effort.

Twelve other Democratic representatives from the state, including Los Angeles-area Congresswoman Maxine Waters, voted in favor of it.

Roomies on board, too

Panetta's Washington D.C. Democratic roommates, Josh Gottheimer from New Jersey and Tom Suozzi of New York, also rejected the impeachment effort. Green cited "bigotry, hatred and hostility" from Trump as reasons for impeachment, but he did not bring up collusion with Russia. Trump, he said has also brought "contempt, ridicule and disgrace" into the presidency.

"The answer is: impeachment for his high misdemeanors, which need not be a crime," Green's resolution said.