Why I Am Running For Congress Again, By Mark Washburne
September 17, 2019

Happy Constitution Day! On September 17, 1787, two-hundred and thirty-two (232) years ago today, our Founding Fathers signed the United States Constitution. According to a diary kept by Maryland delegate James McHenry, a Mrs. Elizabeth Powel of Philadelphia, who was a friend of George Washington, seeing Benjamin Franklin after the signing, asked, “Well, Doctor, what have we got, a republic or a monarchy?” Franklin responded, “A republic, if you can keep it.”

Our Republic has had many challenges over the last two plus centuries including a Civil War fought over slavery, two World Wars, and even a battle at a fort named after James McHenry during the War of 1812 that led to our National Anthem – “The Star-Spangle Banner” – written by Francis Scott Key.  Despite these and other challenges, we survived and even thrived. We are now faced with a new challenge, however, on whether we can “keep it” – this Republic – due to the unethical and illegal actions of the current Chief Executive. As detailed by the Mueller Report and the prosecution of Michael Cohen and others, Donald John Trump has acted in a reckless manner that includes possible criminal activity, obstruction of justice, and lying to the American public.

As outlined by the same 1787 Constitution that George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and James McHenry were signers, one method to check a Federal officer who has acted with criminal intent is Impeachment:

Article 1, Section 2, Clause 5
The House of Representatives shall chuse their Speaker and other Officers; and shall have the sole Power of Impeachment.

Article I, Section 3, Clauses 6 and 7
The Senate shall have the sole Power to try all Impeachments. When sitting for that Purpose, they shall be on Oath or Affirmation. When the President of the United States is tried, the Chief Justice shall preside: And no Person shall be convicted without the Concurrence of two thirds of the Members present.

Judgment in Cases of Impeachment shall not extend further than to removal from Office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any Office of honor, Trust or Profit under the United States: but the Party convicted shall nevertheless be liable and subject to Indictment, Trial, Judgment and Punishment, according to Law. 

Article II, Section 4
The President, Vice President and all civil Officers of the United States, shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors.

As it stands right now, a majority of House Democrats elected to the 116th Congress now support an Impeachment inquiry into the criminal behavior of President Trump. Unfortunately, the Representative for my Congressional District (New Jersey 11th) is not among the majority of her own caucus on this matter that supports Impeachment. She has, in fact, already voted against one Impeachment resolution (HR 498; 17 July 2019) and has given no indication that she would support any future Impeachment vote despite the overwhelming evidence of criminal activity, obstruction of justice, and lying by Trump.

As I believe strongly that if we are going to “keep” this “Republic” Congress must fulfill its Constitutional duties concerning a rogue Executive, I am announcing on this Constitution Day that I am once again a Democratic candidate to represent New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District in the House of Representatives in the 2020 election.

If you agree that Trump should be impeached for his criminal behavior and would like to help my campaign, please go to my website at https://mwashburneforcongress.com.

We are just starting our campaign and are looking for staff, volunteers, and small donations to keep our message front and center with voters. I would also be grateful if you would share this post on Facebook and other social media with your friends.