Refusal by GOP state senators in Pennsylvania to oust Democrat leads to chaotic ceremony

Refusal by GOP state senators in Pennsylvania to oust Democrat leads to chaotic ceremony

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Republicans in the chamber have introduced a motion not to put state Democratic senator Jim Brewster, whose minor victory in November is being challenged by his GOP opponent. The Pennsylvania State Department has confirmed its victory. The attempt reflects a constant pressure from some Congressional Republicans to object to the election of President Joe Biden, while the Electoral College has confirmed its victory and lawsuits seeking to reverse the results have been widely rejected.

When Democratic Lieutenant General John Fetterman on Tuesday objected to the motion and demanded that Brewster be sworn in, the state GOP took the rare step of taking control of the proceedings from him.

The intense series began when GOP president Ryan Aument tabled the motion not to sit down with Brewster, until “time had the opportunity to further consider the petition of the match.”

The motion, Aument said, “is not debatable. And I ask that the motion be put to the vote immediately.”

Fetterman replies: “The chairman does not recognize the motion tabled by Senator Aument.”

Aument finally states: ‘Mr President, it is your duty to put a proper motion before this body. If you continue to perform your duties, the Senate will replace you with the interim president pro tempore. ‘

Senate President Pro Tempore Jake Corman, a Republican, then replaced Fetterman.

The scene drew a swift backlash from Democrats across the state, including Gov. Tom Wolf, who said in a statement: “This is a shameful coup that violates the institution.”

“It is simply unethical and undemocratic to leave the district without a vote simply because Republicans do not like the outcome of the election. Voters, not Harrisburg politicians, have decided this election and Sen. Brewster is the rightful winner. , “Wolf said. .

“All ballots have been counted and certified, and the results are accurate. Sen. Brewster received the most votes in this race and must be sworn in as the senator for the 45th District. There is no precedent, and no legitimate reasoning, because he does not fail to do so, ‘he added.

The state republics’ case not to put Brewster on is based on a lawsuit filed by his opponent, Nicole Ziccarelli. She wants to overthrow her election loss by removing some ballot papers in Allegheny County that do not contain handwritten dates on their envelopes.

Matthew Haverstick, a lawyer for Ziccarelli, celebrated the GOP’s efforts on Tuesday and told CNN in a statement he was confident in their lawsuit.

CNN released Brewster for comment.

It is unclear how long the state GOP plans to keep the seat empty.

Corman said in a news release ahead of the swearing-in ceremony: “We understand that this issue needs to be resolved immediately, while we need to ensure that the voters of the 45th Senate District have the right representation.”

This story was updated Tuesday with additional information.

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