With Democrats on Capitol Hill pushing an impeachment inquiry, the fight has spilled over to the Sunshine State.
This week, the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) served notice to Democrats in swing districts in the Sunshine State that it will make their support of impeaching President Donald Trump a campaign issue in 2020.
The NRCC took aim at U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist, D-Fla., after he said he backed impeaching Trump.
“Charlie Crist is all aboard the baseless impeachment train and abandoning working for the people of FL-13,” the NRCC insisted. “But after joining the DCCC leadership team, it’s not surprising that Charlie has decided to put his political party over Floridians.
“Charlie Crist is a true career politician who will do anything for his party, even support baseless impeachment while abandoning working on the real issues that matter to Floridians," said NRCC Spokeswoman Camille Gallo.
For his part, Crist stood his ground in a message to supporters sent out this week.
“The president of the United States is not above the law,” Crist insisted. “Reports from the whistleblower regarding the president pressing a vulnerable, sovereign nation to dig up dirt on a political adversary in exchange for congressionally mandated military aid is not only blatantly unethical and unbecoming of the highest office in the land – it is a crime against the Constitution.
“That's why...I'm calling for the House to launch formal impeachment proceedings against President Trump,” Crist added. “This isn't about partisanship. This is about right and wrong....impeachment is a process. This is one of many steps to come. Ultimately, Americans deserve the truth and accountability. That's why now is the time to act.”
The NRCC launched similar jabs against U.S. Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, D-Fla., and U.S. Rep. Donna Shalala, D-Fla., who both flipped seats that been held by the GOP last year.
On Wednesday, the NRCC hit U.S. Rep. Stephanie Murphy, D-Fla., on the topic.
“After reversing her decision on the sham impeachment investigation, Stephanie Murphy can no longer pretend to be a moderate. It’s clear Murphy will always cave to pressure from her party leaders and deranged liberal base,” Gallo said.
Earlier in the week, Murphy stressed Trump needed to be investigated.
“We need the facts on the disturbing reports the president pressured a foreign government to investigate a political opponent. This is part of an ever-expanding body of evidence this president is violating his oath of office and abusing his power – putting our national security at risk,” Murphy posted on Twitter. “Similar to how a select committee was established during Watergate, the speaker should appoint a bipartisan select committee to immediately investigate abuse of executive power. We must uncover all the facts and provide answers to the American people.”
But after a transcript was released of a call Trump had with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Wednesday, Murphy threw her support behind an impeachment inquiry.
“The White House's own memo of the president's call with Ukraine confirms the president asked a foreign government to investigate his political opponent. This is an abuse of executive power. I support the House's ongoing impeachment inquiry to get the facts for the American people,” Murphy posted on Twitter.
