Politics & Government

Local U.S. Representative's Comments Spark Controversy

According to reports, U.S. Rep. Kerry Bentivolio, who represents Farmington, tells supporters would like to submit articles of impeachment against President Barack Obama.

This story was written by Brooke Tajer. 

Comments made by U.S. Rep Kerry Bentivolio (R-Milford) to supporters in Birmingham have sparked controversy after a YouTube video of his speech went viral. 

In the video, a woman asks Bentivolio, who represents Farmington in the 11th Congressional District, a series of questions and accused President Barack Obama of violating the Constitution, MLive reports.

In response, Bentivolio said, "If I could write that bill (to impeach the president) and submit it... it would be a dream come true."

He continued, "I feel your pain. I know. I stood twelve feet away from the guy and listened to him. And I couldn't stand being there, but because he is president, I have to respect the office. That’s my job, as a congressman. I respect the office."

Bentivolio said in the video that he has no evidence now that would allow him to start the process, "Until we have evidence, you’re going to become a laughing stock if you’ve submitted a bill to impeach the president, because number one, you’ve got to convince the press."

In response to Bentivolio's comments, the Michigan Democratic Party released a statement. In the statement, Lon Johnson, Michigan Democratic Party Chair, said, "Rep. Bentivolio showed that he’d rather wage tired ideological political battles and give us more Washington dysfunction than do anything to create jobs or focus on Michigan’s middle class. Bentivolio can try to distract from what he said, but the fact remains that he’s been nothing more than a rubber stamp for an extreme agenda that favors the wealthy and well-connected over Michigan’s middle-class families."

Do you agree with Rep. Bentivolio's remarks or the opinion or the Michigan Democratic Party? Tell us in the comments below. 



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