Democrats Walk Out On Kane's Impeachment Hearing
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – A legislative hearing turned raucous Tuesday morning when local Government Committee Chairman Daryl Metcalfe of Cranberry tried to consider whether Attorney General Kathleen Kane should be impeached.
Rep. Mike O'Brien: "Mr. Chairman –"
Metcalfe: "Security, please remove Representative O'Brien from this hearing. Now."
O'Brien: "Mr. Chairman, you do not have the authority to remove a sitting member of this committee."
Metcalfe: "I have the authority. Go check with the Speaker. Please remove Representative O'Brien from this hearing. You are not recognized."
Democrats said Metcalfe was not following proper house procedure on impeachment and tried to adjourn the meeting. When that failed and Metcalfe, a Republican, refused to hear further procedural objections, the Democrats walked out.
All the Democrats walked out, leaving Metcalfe and Republicans alone to hear witnesses who said Kane should be impeached.
Metcalfe argues that the attorney general was required to defend the constitutionality of the state's marriage law, which denies recognition to same-sex couples. Kane has recused herself, saying she believes the law is unconstitutional.
Some republicans say Kane was also wrong to end an investigation of legislative wrong-doing in Philadelphia, even though the key witness was compromised by actions of the previous attorney general.
Kane had no comment on Metcalfe's hearing – and House Speaker Sam Smith downplayed efforts to impeach Kane, saying it was not a priority for the full house, where action would have to be taken to start the process.
Listen to Rep. Daryl Metcalfe on NewsRadio 1020 KDKA:
Rep. Daryl Metcalfe on Kathleen Kane
(Photo Credit: KDKA)
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