The Arizona House of Representatives has expelled Republican lawmaker Kelly Townsend after an ethics committee investigation found she had committed "disorderly behavior" in violation of the chamber's rules. The investigation was prompted by a complaint from a Democratic legislator after Townsend invited an insurance agent to a televised hearing, who made unsubstantiated allegations of bribery. Townsend's actions were found to have damaged the "institutional integrity of the House," and she was expelled in a House vote. This is the first time in Arizona's history that a legislator has been removed from office by their peers, emphasizing the importance of upholding the integrity of the legislative process.
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Arizona House of Representatives voted to expel a first-term Republican representative, Liz Harris, after she invited a conspiracy theorist to testify at an election integrity hearing. The vote to expel Harris was bipartisan, with 46 representatives voting in favor and 13 voting against. Harris was removed from her elected position immediately, making this the first expulsion of a lawmaker since the state was admitted to the Union in 1912.
The Shelby County Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to return expelled Tennessee Democratic Rep. Justin Pearson back to the state House on Wednesday. The confirmation of Pearson's reappointment was met with cheers and applause from the crowd, and support from both sides of the aisle. Pearson expressed his gratitude for the support he has received, and his return to the House of Representatives is a victory for gun reform advocates in the state of Tennessee.
The Shelby County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to reinstate state Rep. Justin Pearson, who was expelled by the GOP supermajority for joining gun control protesters after a school shooting. The vote was met with cheers and applause from a packed crowd, and Pearson said "You can't expel our voice, and you sure can't expel our fight." Pearson and fellow Tennessee House Democrat Justin Jones were both reinstated, a victory for gun control advocates who have been pushing for stricter gun laws.
Memphis-Area Officials to Decide Fate of Expelled Black Lawmakers Justin J. Pearson and Justin Jones
Memphis-Area Officials to Decide Fate of Expelled Black Lawmakers Justin J. Pearson and Justin Jones
Memphis-area officials are set to meet on Wednesday to decide whether to reinstate Justin J. Pearson and Justin Jones, two Black Democrats who were expelled from the Tennessee Legislature last Thursday. The expulsion drew national attention to the state's racial and political dynamics, and on Monday the Nashville Metro Council unanimously voted to return Jones in a 36–0 vote. The decision to reinstate Pearson and Jones is seen as a major victory for the Democratic party and a sign of progress in the fight for racial justice.
Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina has launched an exploratory committee for a potential 2024 presidential bid. In a video released Wednesday, Scott argued that Democrats have divided the country by fostering a “culture of grievance” and weaponizing race. He also spoke out against the Democratic party's treatment of him when he opposed their liberal agenda. Scott's announcement is sure to be closely watched as the 2024 presidential election approaches.
Police body camera footage from a mass shooting in Louisville, Kentucky was released on Tuesday, showing two wounded officers responding to the incident that killed five people and injured eight others. The tragedy has sparked a debate between Democratic and Republican state lawmakers over gun control, and the Louisville Police Department is continuing to investigate the shooting and has asked for anyone with information to come forward.
Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina is set to announce the launch of an exploratory committee for a 2024 presidential bid on Wednesday, becoming the second GOP candidate from South Carolina in the race. Scott has been testing the waters for months and is the only Black Republican in the Senate. If he were to officially enter the race, it would be an interesting one to watch, as it remains to be seen how his candidacy would be received by the Republican Party.