Democratic U.S. Rep. Jared Golden of Maine’s 2nd District says he will vote for just one of the two articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump.
Golden says he has spent considerable time reviewing the articles and will vote for Article One, the abuse of power charge. He says he had wanted that article to be split into two, with one citing Trump’s urging that Ukraine investigate political rival Joe Biden and his son. The other, he says, would have been on the improper withholding of military aid.
"This wasn’t easy for me even after looking at the evidence. I think one then has to consider if you think something wrong has been done you have to weigh whether it rises to the level of impeachment," he says.
Golden says he will not support the second article, charging Trump with obstruction of Congress. He says Congress should have more aggressively pressed its power to subpoena those claiming executive privilege.
Golden outlined his position in detail in a four-page statement submitted for the congressional record.
Maine’s other Democratic representative, Chellie Pingree, says she will vote for both articles of impeachment. The House is expected to vote Wednesday.
