HARRISBURG, Pa. (KYW Newsradio) — Republicans in the state House have officially introduced articles of impeachment against Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner. It’s the latest twist in what’s been an on-again, off-again, process over the past week.
“Larry Krasner is the top law enforcement official who is supposed to be representing the interests of our commonwealth in Philadelphia criminal cases. His dereliction of duty and despicable behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” said Northeast Philadelphia Republican Rep. Martina White, the prime sponsor of the resolution introducing the articles of impeachment.
“Krasner is responsible for the rise in crime across our city due to his dereliction of duty to prosecute the guilty and to protect the innocent. He has tipped the scales of justice in favor of criminals,” White said Wednesday.
The articles allege mismanagement of the office, focusing heavily on a lack of experience and training in the District Attorney’s Office, and what Republicans call a soft-on-crime approach.
The articles point to Krasner firing dozens of seasoned prosecutors when he took office and taking the unusual step of withdrawing from the Pennsylvania District Attorney’s Association, which offers training programs.
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“This lack of institutional knowledge and basic courtroom procedures has led to disastrous results with high levels of withdrawals, dismissals, and no-post cases, resulting in criminals walking free,” White said.
Central Pennsylvania Republican Torren Ecker says they believe Krasner’s actions rise to the level of impeachment.
“It doesn't require a criminal act,” he said. “Misbehavior in office is the standard. These articles of impeachment will clearly define what misbehavior in office is, and the fact that the district attorney has violated that provision in the Constitution.”
Impeachment seemed unlikely earlier this week when the select committee handling the investigation issued a second interim report, which said the investigation was ongoing and did not include any recommendations.
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It is not clear when the House will vote on the articles. The resolution has to clear the Judiciary committee before it can be voted on by the full House.
There are only three scheduled session days, but House Republican leader Kerry Benninghoff says the House Speaker is prepared to add days if need be.
A simple majority is needed in the House. If passed, a trial is held in the Senate where two- thirds of the Senate, or 34 of Pennsylvania’s 50 senators, would need to vote to convict.
Late last week, some House Republicans advised against moving too quickly, saying the investigation needed more time. But Philadelphia Republican Martina White urged action, saying “the citizens of Pennsylvania cannot afford for us to fail or wait any longer.”
Krasner took to the Capitol steps on Friday to make his case, calling the process purely politics and an attempt to overturn the will of Philadelphia voters.
“Republican members of the House have announced they will file articles of impeachment against me. They don't allege I've committed a crime. They just don't think Philly has a right to govern itself,” Krasner said Wednesday on Twitter.
The term of the select committee expires at the end of November as the legislative session comes to an end.
Select Committee Chairman Rep. John Lawrence, R-West Grove, is pushing legislation that would take a deeper dive into how the Philadelphia D.A.’s office used state and federal funds earmarked for law enforcement and victim services.
That resolution cleared the House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday. Democrats on the committee argued the legislation is redundant, unnecessary, and a waste of taxpayer dollars, as it doesn’t do anything the select investigative committee couldn’t do.
Republicans argued it is necessary, because Krasner has repeatedly shown he is unwilling to cooperate with the investigation and has repeatedly thumbed his nose at the committee.