Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) took the weekend to think about whether or not President Trump deserved impeachment. She revealed her decision in an op-ed for the Detroit Free Press on Monday. After reading through the documents Congress has so far received in its inquiry, Slotkin has decided to vote yes on both articles of impeachment - abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.
I will be voting yes on both. And I want all of my constituents to know why.
On abuse of power: I believe that the President illegally solicited the help of foreigners to influence the American political process. On September 19, the President’s lawyer announced proudly on live TV that he had encouraged Ukraine to investigate the Bidens. On September 22, in response to a reporter’s question, the President affirmed it. The President later went on to encourage China to “investigate” his political rival, doubling down on it when asked by reporters.
These first-person statements, on top of the raft of first- and second-hand accounts provided in sworn testimony, paint a clear picture of a president abusing the power of his office for personal political gain. (Detroit Free Press)
Trump ticked the box for obstruction of justice too, according to Slotkin, noting how he "sent out unprecedented guidance to refuse and ignore the requests and subpoenas of the inquiry."
Slotkin is one of 31 Democrats who won in a red or red-leaning district last year, meaning a vote for impeachment could derail her re-election campaign. She admitted as much in a Fox News interview on Friday, but she argued that her political career didn't matter as much as listening to her conscience.
"If this is the end of my political career, at least I'm doing what I think is right," Slotkin said.
Some of Slotkin's constituents are letting her know that her impeachment decision has helped them make up their minds not to vote for her.
"I think this is going to seal the deal," Michigan resident Ken Quint told MSNBC following Rep. Slotkin's town hall in Rochester, Michigan. "I think I will not vote for her."
Others showed up to her town hall with "Impeach Slotkin" signs.
Slotkin put politics above her constituents — overriding the will of the American people for her own political gain.
— Hannah Osantowske (@HOsantowskeMI) December 16, 2019
And Michiganders have had enough.
Her support of impeaching and removing @realDonaldTrump from office will be the end of her political career. #MI08 pic.twitter.com/yNyqzsVn4E
Slotkin attempting to update her constituents on legislative efforts made in D.C., but protestors continue shouting “Why Impeach?”
— Mark Cavitt (@MarkCavitt) December 16, 2019
Hours before the town hall, Slotkin announced that she would vote in favor of impeaching President Trump. pic.twitter.com/wXO8GUCpdq
Slotkin's decision is in stark contrast to that of Rep. Van Drew (D-NJ). He is so fed up with his fellow Democrats' obsession with impeachment that he announced over the weekend he is switching parties. Democratic Minnesota Congressman Collin Peterson also recently came out against impeachment.
Several other of those 31 vulnerable Democrats are reportedly still undecided.
Editor's note: This post has been updated with constituents' reactions.