Gov. Tom Wolf.Photo: Julio Cortez/AP/Shutterstock
With her federal case still pending, GOP state lawmakers refused to re-seat Brewster on Wednesday along with other state lawmakers. The state’s Democratic lawmaker have argued Brewster was properly re-elected.
“Sen. Jim Brewster rightfully won the 45th Senate District, but Senate Republicans are ignoring the voters in the district and refusing to swear him in as Senator,” Gov. Wolf, 72, said in astatement. “This is a shameful power grab that disgraces the institution.”
In a phone call with PEOPLE on Wednesday, Brewster said he was “disappointed” and “concerned” over the dispute, which he called a “slippery slope” and “definitely a challenge to the democratic process.”
“If they can do this to me, they can do this to anybody for any reason,” Brewster, 72, said.
“The facts are clear,” Brewster said. “I won the election.”
In an unusual and chaotic moment at the statehouse, GOP lawmakers voted to remove Lt. Gov. John Fetterman, a Democrat, from presiding over the swearing-in ceremony where Brewster and other state lawmakers were being officially seated to the state legislature. Senate President Pro Tempore Jake Corman, a Republican, then took over the ceremony as his fellow party members then refused to seat Brewster, a representative from the Pittsburgh area.
Pennsylvania state Sen. Jim Brewster.Jim Brewster/Facebook
“Mr. President, I totally object to this!” state Sen. Anthony Williams shouted, CNNreports.Videoof lawmakers shouting over one another while Corman, 56, took a roll call vote was widely shared on social media.
“This is inappropriate!” Williams, 63, continued yelling over Corman, as he appeared to ignore the lawmaker’s argument. “You are breaking the Constitution and the laws of the commonwealth and violating the oath of office you have actually taken. There is nothing about this day that is appropriate. Nothing.”
Williams added: “We will not lay down and roll over because you got former folks on that side of the aisle. This is about Pennsylvania, not Democrats or Republicans. This is not about simply winning, it’s about protecting our democracy.”
The scene took place one day before the U.S. Congress is set to ratify the Electoral College vote, further cementing President-electJoe Biden’s election win over PresidentDonald Trump.
Trump, 74, has refused to concede the election to Biden, 78, andhas publicly pressuredVice PresidentMike Penceand Republican lawmakers to find ways to deny Biden’s victory during Wednesday’s joint congressional session. Trump has repeatedly cited baseless claims of voter fraud.
In Pennsylvania, where the state’s 45th district seat is now empty, Gov. Wolf said he will “do everything in my power to ensure voters have the final say in our elections.”
source: people.com
