"The 35 Articles of Impeachment and the Case for Prosecuting George W. Bush"New Mexico Resolution to Impeach Bush and Cheney in Stunning 3-2 Victory in Senate Public Affairs Committee
February 25, 2007
For Immediate Release
Contact Leland Lehrman (505) 982-3609 or (505) 473-4458
Following the unanimous 5-0 victory in Senate Rules, Senate Joint Resolution 5, impeach President Bush and Vice-President Cheney faced a more difficult hearing in Senate Public Affairs. This time three Republican Senators showed up to oppose, in contrast with their earlier boycott.
Supported by over 150 citizens, both Republican and Democrat, who packed the hearing room and overflowed into the halls, the resolution faced no opposition from the citizenry. Not a single testimony against was heard or made in writing.
After an hour of passionate citizen speeches from veterans, youth, men and women from around the state, the Republicans on the committee were asked if they wished to comment. Instead, minority leader Stuart Ingle made an immediate motion to table the resolution. At this point, all eyes were on Senator David Ulibarri, the freshman from Grants. Senators Ortiz y Pino, the sponsor and Public Affairs Chairwoman Dede Feldman were signatories on the bill, but Senator Ulibarri had not revealed his intentions to activists prior to the vote. His vote against the tabling motion kept the resolution alive after which time, Senator Feldman began her speech in favor.
Impatient or resigned to defeat, Republican Senator Gay Kernan then walked out of the hearing room and left the Republicans open to the subsequent Do Pass motion which passed 3-2, again with Senator Ulibarri in favor. Senator Mary Jane Garcia, minority whip, was a signatory on the bill, but did not attend the hearing. Republican Senator Komadina was out of state. Senator Mary Kay Papen's vote was not known prior to the hearing, and although she attended, she was not present for either vote.
The Resolution now moves to the Senate Judiciary Committee where Chairman Cisco McSorley is expected to give it a hearing this week.
