A resolution of disapproval was passed by the House after Representative García appeared to have set up his chief of staff to succeed him.
The House of Representatives passed a resolution, introduced by Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Pérez of Washington, to reprimand Representative Jesús “Chuy” García of Illinois for waiting to announce his retirement until just before the deadline for candidates to apply to be on the ballot.
Representative Gluesenkamp Perez said, “One week before the filing deadline, Congressman Chuy García filed for re-election and submitted the necessary signatures for that petition. But three days before the filing deadline, he also began collecting signatures for his chief of staff, who shares his last name. Just hours before the filing deadline, Representative García’s chief of staff submitted the paperwork to run with at least 2,500 signatures attached to it, and Chuy García’s signature was the very first one listed in the petition.“
Congresswoman Gluesencamp Perez said his actions were “incompatible with the spirit of the Constitution.” She stated, “No one has the right to subvert the right of the people to choose their elected representatives.“
Representative García claimed that he had a last-minute change of heart after considering recommendations from his cardiologist, as well as his wife’s health struggles with multiple sclerosis and the needs of their recently adopted grandchild.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For representatives of the House of Representatives as they seek to ensure the integrity of their members.
- For wisdom for members of Congress to respectfully hold each other accountable for their decisions and actions.
Sources: MSN, CBS News, Chicago Tribune, Roll Call
