(The Center Square) – Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson responded Tuesday morning to Republican plans to file articles of impeachment against her.
“I believe in oversight and I believe in transparency. This isn’t it,” Benson said. “This is Republican lawmakers abusing their authority to access sensitive election information that would allow them – or any conspiracy theorists they share it with – to tamper with election equipment, interfere with the chain of custody of ballots, or impersonate a clerk on Election Day.”
State Rep. James DeSana, R-Carleton, announced late Monday that he would file the articles of impeachment at some point Tuesday.
DeSana alleges Benson has engaged in “corrupt conduct, constitutional violations, and a repeated abuse of power.”
“This includes her unlawful election directives, failure to preserve critical election records, and conduct that has undermined public trust in our democratic process,” a press release from his office stated. “Michiganders deserve election integrity and accountability from their highest officials.”
Benson stated in a statement Tuesday that she is willing to work with House Republicans.
“I continue to call on Speaker Hall and his caucus to work with us and a judicial mediator to help us reach a resolution to this matter,” she said. “I remain committed to the security of our elections and to the people of Michigan. I work for them. I suggest the House Republicans start doing the same.”
This is just the latest in a dramatic face off between Benson, a Democrat, and Michigan House Republicans over election materials.
In May, Michigan Republican lawmakers introduced a resolution in the House to hold Benson in contempt of the House for refusing to hand over documents relating to election training materials. It was passed on a party-line vote.
“We have the right to request documents, and there is no provision in law that says she can’t give us those documents. I can’t see it any other way than lawlessness,” said Rep. Jay DeBoyer, R-Clay Township. “I can’t see it any other way. We are legitimately asking for things we are legitimately entitled to.”
While Benson has released thousands of documents, she argued that fully complying with the House’s request could put election integrity at risk.
Benson called the articles of impeachment, and all the Republicans’ actions against her, part of a “clown show.”
“It is not how we solve problems. It is not how we make government work for everyone,” she said. “Every taxpayer dollar wasted on these shenanigans is a waste of time and money.”
To move forward, the articles of impeachment must be approved by a majority of the House in a vote. It would then move to the Senate, with a two-thirds vote needed for conviction and removal.
Though Republicans currently control the House, with Democrats controlling the Senate, the impeachment would likely be dead upon arrival in the Senate.
