This Special Session has been called by the President Pro-Tempore to initiate action to remove State Auditor Kathleen McGuiness from office.
Here is the Resolution the Senate will likely vote on today. Please note that concurrent action will be required by the House.
Session begins at 3:10 pm. BHL is presiding.
Senator Sokola presents the key resolution for consideration. He points out that the charges were filed in October 2021. At that the time, the Senate called on KMG to voluntarily step down from her position pending the outcome of the legal proceedings. KMG refused. Following her conviction, the Senate leadership called on KMG to step down.. She refused, and instead continued campaigning for reelection. He explains why and how the General Assembly can act. The resolution calls for the Senate and the House to notify the Auditor that it will institute proceedings to remove the Auditor.
Sen. Pettyjohn ‘stands in opposition’ on behalf of the entire Republican Caucus. Because, as of now, ‘this individual is still innocent.’ He submits a Motion To Table the Resolution. Sen. Lopez actually votes. Yes, of course. Darius Brown votes to table. Someone please explain to me why he didn’t get primaried. Motion fails, 7 yes, 13 no, one absent.
Bonini bloviates. I’m listening to this so that you don’t have to. God, he sucks. The question persists, Why are Rethugs so, um, lathered up over protecting KMG?
Sen. Lawson, of all people, quotes Voltaire, “Protect the innocent at all costs.” You know, just like he did when he was in law enforcement.
Roll call on SCR 128: 13 Y, 7 N, 1 Absent (Wilson). Darius Brown voted no. Ernie Lopez, who had a blatant conflict of interest, voted no. Senators with benefits.
Senate recesses at 3:51.
We shall now see what, if anything, the House does.