House GOP lawmakers file bill of impeachment against Thurbert Baker
A House Republican on Tuesday filed a resolution to bring articles of impeachment against Attorney General Thurbert Baker, for his refusal to file a legal challenge to the new federal health care law – as directed by Gov. Sonny Perdue.
State Rep. Mark Hatfield, sponsor of HR 1886, says Baker is bound by the state constitution to file legal at the request of the governor. Says the measure:
Attorney General Thurbert Baker. Ben Gray/AJC
“By failing and refusing to perform his constitutional and statuatry duties, Attorney General Baker has abdicated his authority and has committed an act against the state of Georgia….
Attorney General Baker’s shameful abdication of his lawful duties shows him unfit to serve the state of Georgia in the position of attorney general.”
Hatfield said 30 other House members have also signed onto the bill of impeachment, all Republican. Baker is a Democratic candidate for governor.
With only nine days left in the legislative session, and a tremendous budget gap yet to be resolved, the Waycross lawmaker said whether the bill would move would depend on the wishes of the Republican leaders of the House and Senate.
Baker, in a telephone interview, said: “It’s very disappointing to see some members of the Legislature respond in a way that’s not beneficial to the state. This is not productive – it’s not going to solve any of the crushing problems we face – water, transportation and education.”
The 13-year attorney general said he was confident of his legal footing and said past court decisions have declared that the attorney general, who is elected statewide independently of the governor, has the authority to make legal decisions for the state.
“I’m willing to debate this impeachment matter should the situation require,” Baker said.
A spokesman in the attorney general’s office couldn’t say when the last statewide-elected official was impeached — if ever.
State Rep. Mark Hatfield (R-Waycross). Ben Gray/AJC
A majority of the 180 members of the House would have to approve what basically is an indictment – which, in political terms, is possible. A trial would be conducted in the Senate. Conviction would require a two-thirds vote in that chamber – unlikely, given that Democratic cooperation would be required.
But there’s another good reason Republicans might hesitate. The state Constitution declares that “in cases of impeachment, judgments shall not extend further than removal from office and disqualification to hold and enjoy any office of honor, trust, or profit within this state or to receive a pension therefrom.”
So conviction could remove Baker, the only viable African-American in the race for governor, from that contest. And an attempt to impeach him could be portrayed as such.
Hatfield said he’s not concerned with the politics of the situation.
“It’s our position that the constitution is very clear, in [the] obligations that it places upon the attorney general to file suit on the request of the governor. He’s basically abrogated his constitutional responsibilities,” Hatfield said. “We feel very strongly that the attorney general has dropped the ball and failed to follow through on the mandates that are placed upon his office.”
The governor said today, as he has said earlier, that a decision to impeach should be left solely to the Legislature – he would not comment on it. Perdue said last week he would file – on his own authority – a lawsuit challenging the health care law passed earlier this month by Congress.
House Speaker David Ralston, significantly, is the second signer of HR 1824, a resolution that would direct the attorney general to file the lawsuit – but the resolution would lack the force of law. State Rep. Austin Scott of Tifton, the lead sponsor, is a Republican candidate for governor.
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287 comments Add your comment
Tony2
March 30th, 2010
5:45 pm
So, why does the governor thumb his nose at healthcare refore but is more than willing to sell out our state for the same president’s education plan?
Baker is right to act in his own capacity because he was elected to do so.
Stand Up to Bullies
March 30th, 2010
5:46 pm
Don’t let them bully you Thurbert. You have our vote for Governor!
S
March 30th, 2010
5:51 pm
There was a time you didn’t have to buy auto insurance, but all the state governments except for one I believe requires just that. We were forced to do so. We’re forced to buy home insurance. We sat back and let the government do it. So now that the feds are requiring health insurance why are we crying foul. We should have stood up for our rights 30 years ago when the little stuff was happening. It’s too late now. We have to live with it just like we do with the auto insurance and such things. Or would you want to fight to eliminate that to? Like I said, it too and other things have been forced upon us…
Einsteindawg
March 30th, 2010
5:52 pm
Memo to all you Atlanta posters…why don’t you elect responsible folks to manage your city and county, and get your metro area “house” in order. With the fiscal and monetary mismanagement since Honest Sam Massell, it won’t be long before you are responsible for an extra 3% added to our state sales tax, just to keep Hotlanta afloat.
Tech Man
March 30th, 2010
5:54 pm
Tony2 @5:45 pm
1. Health care: Gov Perdue thinks there is a better way than “dumping on” state government long term costs sprinkled with the powdered sugar of temporary year or two federal funding.
2. He must agree with Obama on education if he is supporting Obama’s ideas or at least floating them for consideration.
john
March 30th, 2010
5:55 pm
“He’s basically abrogated his constitutional responsibilities,” Hatfield said. ”
I want to see where this is in the GA constitution.
Tech Man
March 30th, 2010
5:56 pm
S @5:51
You are not forced to buy auto insurance if you do not have a car. Owning a car is an election one makes.
The One
March 30th, 2010
5:57 pm
Okay folks, this is really starting to get beyond the point of stupidity. The repubs are really the one that are destroying evrything in sight. I just read on ajc.com that the repubs passed the so called “Kia go home bill” , which means that people who seek to get a drivers liscense in the state of georgia will only be able to take it in english. And then the repub who brought the bill before the house doesn’t think that it will effect georgia economy in any way. Is that repub smoking crack? He must be smoking some strong drugs if he thinks that that won’t effect the georgia economy. .He must not have any idea how many people of spanish decent live here? He must not. And on top of it, they have the nerve to call it the “kia go home bill”! Man, these repubs and tea partiers are straight crazy. Kia just built a large auto plant here in georgia(which means jobs to our state), and if they get wind of this, believe me, they will move elsewhere and take thousands of jobs with them. Since when did we become so anti- immigrant in america? America was built with immigrants comming here for a better life. This is really beyond crazy, and it will backfire, trust me. The repubs actually think that they are gonna win votes by doing stupid things like this, then they need to think again! There are tons of people that live in georgia that have different racial backgrounds that they are definatley offending. I agree with alot of other strategist that the repubs may think that they have things all sewed up, but , trust me, it’s gonna be alot different for them come november. Especially with the things that they are doing. They are showing that they are anti -obama, anti- immigrant, anti – healthcare, anti- everything. Then they have the nerve to talk about so called big goverment spending, and they are spending donors money. Aint that about a trip! What hippicrits they are. People who live in glass houses should not through stones! They and the tea party are a straight joke, period, and beleive me, they do not appeal to the majority of americans that can think. They use lies and deceit to systematically control those who don’t think for themselves. In other words, they only appeal to the brainless. They don’t appeal to anyone who can think for themselves and that is a fact. The GOP , and tea party is a joke, period! Keep pissing off immigrants ya’ll, just keep on keeping on, that’s all I have to say. You’ll eventually pay for it in the end with lost votes.
Tech Man
March 30th, 2010
6:00 pm
The one @ 5:57
How in the world does spending a private donation equate in any way with spending public money?
Proud Democrat
March 30th, 2010
6:03 pm
Pay attention to what is going on here in Georgia. Schools are closing, bus lines shutting down, counties and cities are going broke. Politicians are grandstanding. If Georgia Republicans are a rubber stamp for the stunts and tactics that Washington Republicans are using, they are not working for our best interests. Georgia has real problems and Republicans are playing politics.
The One
March 30th, 2010
6:04 pm
Fist off Tech Man, Let me tell you this. It doesnt look good for the repubs to talk about big government spending, and then turn around an do the same thing with donors money. They look really stupid doing that. It’s would be like me telling my young son not to drink, and then I turn around and do it. How can you follow someone like that!
Iconoclast
March 30th, 2010
6:05 pm
There must be a drought in Ware County. Gators are crawling out of the swamp and all the way to the state house. Someone please throw Hatfield and his ilk a small pet before they mutilate the rest of our state with their patently partisan antics.
Tech Man
March 30th, 2010
6:06 pm
Opponents of the bill call it the “Kia Go Home” bill. The bill is not named the “Kia Go Home” bill. I want to meet and congratulate any poor State of Georgia employee that has to try to help people in 13 different languages. Now, that is someone that deserves praise!
Tech Man
March 30th, 2010
6:08 pm
The One @ 6:04
My question is what business is it of anyone but those involved in spending private money. I earned it and I will spend what Obama lets me keep however I want.
“OBAMA – If it is listed in the yellow pages the federal government should run it!”
Jay
March 30th, 2010
6:09 pm
WHile you guys are in a suing moe, maybe you can figure out who to hold accountable for the $500M in cuts that the school districts in metro Atlanta are having to make. Or perhaps you want them sick and uneducated.
Sally
March 30th, 2010
6:09 pm
Where do I sign?
The One
March 30th, 2010
6:12 pm
I agree with you Proud Democrat. The thing is that the majority of the of the tea party are always demonstrating, and a lot of them a unemployed. They are protesting against big government spending, and then turn right around and apply for benefits that they will be getting from whom? The big government that they are protesting against. Like , social security, unemployment benefits, medicaid, etc. And to top it off, when one of them falls ill, or their family members fall ill, they will be looking for health care benefits. Man, what a joke!
Larry Craig
March 30th, 2010
6:14 pm
This is starting to make me embarrassed to be a Republican. Tap Tap
Tech Man
March 30th, 2010
6:14 pm
The One @ 6:04
Or like Al Gore preaching conservation, after he invented the internet, and building then living in a palatial electricity wasting estate…
Jay
March 30th, 2010
6:16 pm
In re: Einsteindawg
Atlanta metro allows the rest of the state to exists. If they ran it like the back woods you obviously live in, you wouldn’t have any where to go or any one to blame. You wouldn’t have electricity or telephone for people like Beck to feed you the nonsense you regurgitate on this blog.
The One
March 30th, 2010
6:17 pm
Hey tech man, Just go read the article man on the bill. It is named the “kia go home bill”… In case you don’t do the research on your own, then I pulled up the article for you.
http://blogs.ajc.com/gold-dome-live/2010/03/30/senate-to-drivers-speak-english/
Senate to drivers – Speak English
3:15 pm March 30, 2010, by Ernie Suggs
According to state Sen. Jack Murphy, there are 13 languages in which someone can sit and test for their Georgia driver’s license.
For him, that is about a dozen too many. So on Tuesday, the Cumming republican revised and got approved a bill that would make English the official and only language someone can use to get their license.
Murphy, who chairs the public safety committee, said it was naturally a safety issue. Drivers who can’t read road signs pose a danger to everyone, he said.
But critics of the bill, point to the fact that illiterate Georgians are still allowed to drive and are helped with the test. But their overriding concern is that the bill is anti-immigration and stunts economic development in the state.
They even have a name for it.
The “Kia Go Home” bill, named after the South Korean automaker which builds cars here in Georgia with a sizable Korean workforce.
“This bill would tell Kia that it is okay to invest a billion dollars here in Georgia, but your employees cannot drive here,” said Jerry Gonzalez, executive director for the Georgia Association of Latino Elected Officials. “This is sending the wrong message and would make Georgia the only state in the country with a law like this. It is anti-immigration, anti-Latino and anti-economy development.”
SB 67 was actually a bill from the last legislative session that many thought was long dead. It passed the Senate and the House last year but lawmakers failed to agree on language before the session ended.
Tuesday’s re-appearance of the bill was a surprise since it was not listed on the Senate Rules Calendar for Day 31. Murphy said he stripped the bill of a confusing amendment the House added. It now goes back to the House, where he predicts it will pass out of.
“Look, I can’t go to France or Germany or Mexico and get a driver’s license. Yet, we give them in 13 languages here,” Murphy said. “It is amazing how many people cannot read English who are driving. You should have to have a basic understanding of English to be able to drive. And it gives them a great incentive to learn English.”
The bill impacts those who are permanent residents only. Temporary license seekers are exempt. But while Murphy said his bill targets non-English speaking people who can’t read traffic signs and emergency messages, he said the bill doesn’t account for illiterate Georgians.
“We have to make an exception and we are not going to take them off the road,” Murphy said.
So, a 70-year-old Georgia man with a 2nd grade education, who can’t read, would still be allowed to get a license because he speaks English.
“In Georgia, an illiterate person can go and have an exam administrated to him orally,” said Democrat Nan Orrock of Atlanta. “That just shows you the hostility toward people who speak another language. Immigrants learn English. We have 250 years of history that proves that. So that is a non-issue.”
Orrock debated Murphy furiously against the bill, which ultimately passed 39-11. She said the bill diminishes Georgia’s global competitiveness.
“This sends a hostile message under the banner of anti-immigration,” Orrock said. “Our governor travels at taxpayer expense to other nations seeking businesses to come here. We are speaking with a forked tongue here in Georgia, when we say we want your investment, but create a barrier to a basic tool – which is a driver’s license.”
Murphy said the bill is not designed to be against immigration and said he doubts that the state’s economy would be impacted by it.
“It is not going to hurt economic development,” Murphy said. “Nobody has approached us about it hurting economic development.”
Tech Man
March 30th, 2010
6:19 pm
The One
Please read aloud with me….
But critics of the bill, point to the fact that illiterate Georgians are still allowed to drive and are helped with the test. But their overriding concern is that the bill is anti-immigration and stunts economic development in the state.
*****They even have a name for it.*****
The “Kia Go Home” bill, named after the South Korean automaker which builds cars here in Georgia with a sizable Korean workforce.
Again, the “critics” have named it.
The One
March 30th, 2010
6:20 pm
Tech man, is that enough info for ya man? Start doing your own research, and stop listening to people like hannity, palin, beck, limbaugh, etc. Stop being brainwashed and think for your self! They are only in it to line their pockets. Do your research man! It’s there for you in plain english. It is nicknamed, or even called the “Kia go home bill” man, dont hate the player(or even the messenger), hate the game!
The One
March 30th, 2010
6:23 pm
Tech man, no matter what the bill is called, it still sends the wrong message!
Tech Man
March 30th, 2010
6:23 pm
The One
Thank you for making my point.
The critics (those AGAINST the bill) nicknamed it “Kia go home bill”
That poor State of Georgia employee having to translate and help in 13 different languages trying to explain critics are not the sponsors.
Da Bull
March 30th, 2010
6:25 pm
Rep. Mark Hatfield, your village called, they want their idiot back!
Alabama Communist
March 30th, 2010
6:25 pm
State Rep. Mark Hatfield, sponsor of HR 1886, says Baker is bound by the state constitution to file legal at the request of the governor.* Jim
In a amazing legal turnround! 3 Republican tea baggers in Hatfield district file a complaint with the101 st Michigan Milita Religious Hurharr Group to have Jesus spank Hatfield rear end for making himself a Donkey Ass out himself, when they get out of prison in the year 2098.
Tech Man
March 30th, 2010
6:26 pm
As a great mentor of mine used to say, “Advice is plentiful and cheap, quality advice is rare and priceless”.
David
March 30th, 2010
6:28 pm
@The One, you’re wasting your breath. People like Tech Man aren’t ever going to evolve, much like the GOP’s extremist hissy-fit politicians that make the news. I know there are some in the GOP who still have integrity and rise above partisan bickering, but they really need to reign in the ignorance in their party.
I’m a Democrat, but I fully believe in a two+ party system. Without balance and compromise, our government is broken.
Tech Man
March 30th, 2010
6:32 pm
David 6:28 pm
Evolve – Is that what you call screaming about research and then finding egg on your face? If that is the definition then I guess I haven’t evolved. Of should I say Al Gore defending global warming as he pockets 100’s of millions.
bart
March 30th, 2010
6:34 pm
This is so reminiscent of the bile that was spewed back in the 60’s over civil rights legislation that it is scary. Southern politicians did everything to stall or stop the legislation. Don’t tell me there’s not a racist slant to all this crap the Repubs are dishing out. It’s an embarrassment that we Georgians elect such ignorant rednecks to office.
The One
March 30th, 2010
6:34 pm
Why is it that schools have zero tolerance for bullying, and then you have the tea party hurling racial slurs a congressman, showing up with racial signs, such as Pres. Obama as a witch doctor, and spitting on people, and then we our kids are supposed to follow that mess. Pleasssssssssssssssssse! Everyone deserves to to have a sensible dialect when it comes to politics. Zero tolerance should not be just for our kids, but should apply to adults as well when it comes to bullying. No is the time for us to come together for our country in order for it to succeed against other nations. One for all, and all for one. A house that is divided will fall, and that is what the enemy is looking for. America is still a great nation, an we must stick together. We are still one country under the red, white , and blue. And always support our troops because they are the reason why we are able to sit here and have this kind of dialect.
mp
March 30th, 2010
6:40 pm
While this state continues it’s slide to thrid world status, I think the Republicans have missed a major opportunity: a resolution naming Obama as the Anti-Christ. This is what we do here in Georgia. We have made posturimg absurdity into a fine art and our guiding principle.
Libby
March 30th, 2010
6:41 pm
ObamaGod’s KoolAid is much tastier than Tea.
Name those signers!
March 30th, 2010
6:42 pm
Ok, when will we see the list of those who signed on to this stupid waste of time??? We deserve to see immediately the co-sponsors of this idiotic grandstanding!
Jaye
March 30th, 2010
6:42 pm
Our Ga. Repubs need to call in Micahel Steele for advice. They can meet at one of Atlanta’s old-fashioned strip clubs – not one of those new-fangled LA joints. That’s okay, as long as a lobbyist doesn’t pick up the tab. And no mothers-in-law allowed!
Melanie
March 30th, 2010
6:45 pm
My question is…why not file the law suite against the Obama care? Baker is only trying to make a point; he is running for Governor people & he is a democrat! He does not want Obama coming after him if he does file the suit. I hope they do throw him out & put someone in there that has enough guts to stand up to Obama & his socialistic administration & tell them we do not want government ran health care!
Libby
March 30th, 2010
6:46 pm
Why haven’t the Republicans that threatned the Democratic leadership in Washington been exposed and arrested for their terrorist acts? Why I ask! Hail ObamaGod!
Brian Tillman
March 30th, 2010
6:49 pm
This is sad. I am a serious independent. I see both sides of this. Both parties make me sick to my stomach. However, this impeachment talk is really shocking! We don’t have the time or the money for this! What does it profit to impeach the AG? If the GOP wants to file a suit against the Gov, let them do it with their own money. Not ours. What they are doing is impeachable. Using public funds for personal gain is an offense! I am will not vote for my rep if he votes in favor of this. Just because you are a republican does not mean that you have to vote with the rest of them. We voted for you because you are your own person… Their is no point to having a legislature if they will all vote for their own party… This is not a football game. We either all win or we all loose.
Libby
March 30th, 2010
6:50 pm
We Democrats loathe Trickle Down Economics. The liberal platform is proudly and loudly promoting Trickle Up Poverty. Hail ObamaGod Hail!
Tech Man
March 30th, 2010
6:51 pm
Or they could call on Former Democratic Chairman of the United States House Committee on Ways and Means committee Rep. Wilbur Mills and his secretary/stripper Fanny Foxe…
Libby
March 30th, 2010
6:51 pm
Don’t Tread on my ObamaGod!
The One
March 30th, 2010
6:52 pm
Melanie don’t get sick, don’t get old and don’t loose your job and the sad thing is now you are cover, funny .
Libby
March 30th, 2010
6:57 pm
My ObamaGod has KoolAid in a rainbow of flavors! My favorite is blue raspberry, because Blue is the color that I love! Hail ObamaGod Hail!
The One
March 30th, 2010
6:58 pm
Brian Tillman, you talk like a man who really cares and you get it. Enough said.
TIRED OF PURDUE SICK AS*
March 30th, 2010
6:58 pm
ALL THESE SICK-O’S NEED TO BE IMPEACHED!!!!!!!!!! MR. BAKER A FAIR MAN DOES NOT WANT TO GET INVOLVED IN THAT SENSELESS SH*T!!!!!!
IMPEACH HIM WHY????? LET’S IMPEACH THE GOVERNOR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WITH HIS SICK PITIFUL SELF. HE NEED TO TAKE ALL HIS GOOD OLE BOYS WHO HAVEN’T HAD SEX SINCE THE DEVIL WAS A LITTLE BOY AND SIT DOWN SOMEWHERE. LEAVE PEOPLE ALONG….MISERY LOVES COMPANY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Gahorn
March 30th, 2010
6:59 pm
Looks like “The One” is a frustrated journalist. He really wants a job with the AJC.
The One
March 30th, 2010
7:01 pm
TIRED OF PURDUE SICK AS* Here, Here
South Georgia Hick
March 30th, 2010
7:02 pm
ok Melanie… this ends government “ran” health care… medicare, medicaid and veteran’s administration… Good bye elderly folk… here’s the real death panels… bye, bye social security too.
The One
March 30th, 2010
7:03 pm
Gahorn. O my, not another Wood rat………../