Senate moves toward trial for Krasner
HARRISBURG — The state Senate on Wednesday took its first steps to begin with the impeachment trial of Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner.
“The Senate’s Constitutional obligations are clear, so we are prepared to fulfill our duties and continue the impeachment process ... next week,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Jake Corman, R-Centre. “The plan is to call the Senate back to session and convene for two days ... to officially begin our role in this
process.”
Mr. Corman said the Senate would convene on Nov. 29 and 30.
According to the state Constitution, the Senate tries all impeachments. The body of 50 senators sits in judgment and reviews the evidence presented by the state House of Representatives, which voted last week to impeach Mr. Krasner, 107-85.
Before officially beginning the impeachment trial, the Senate must take three procedural steps next week.
To start the process, the Senate will vote on a series of three resolutions. The first resolution to set the rules of impeachment will be considered on Tuesday. The rules are modeled after the congressional rules of impeachment and reflect the precedent set in the 1993 commonwealth impeachment of Justice Rolf Larsen.
Also on Tuesday, the Senate will consider a resolution to invite the House impeachment managers and sergeant at arms to officially present the articles of impeachment to the Senate. The resolution will be put forth by newly elected Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman, R-Indiana, and seconded by state Sen. Lisa Baker, R-Luzerne, who chairs the Judiciary Committee.
On Wednesday, the House impeachment managers and sergeant at arms will officially present the articles of impeachment, at which time an oath will be taken by all members of the Senate to officially begin the process.
Following these procedural measures, the final resolution, a writ of summons, will be put forth for a vote. Pending passage of the final resolution, the writ will be issued to Mr. Krasner requiring him to come before the Senate to answer to impeachment. He will be required to file an answer by Dec. 21 and ordered to appear before the Senate on Jan. 18 at 11:30 a.m.