In what he calls the most difficult decision of his political career, Congressman Anthony Brindisi says he will vote on Wednesday to impeach President Donald Trump. He also says he knows that, no matter which way he votes, he runs the risk of alienating a large number of voters: either his party base, or all those who voted for and support the President.
"No matter what the decision is, whether it's impeachment or anything else, you're not gonna make everyone happy and you have to come to accept that, that's part of being in office and being a representative," said the Congressman
Brinisi says the decision caused him great pain, because he and the President worked together on issues to improve the lives of the American people. Among those surprised by Brindisi's pending 'yes' vote-the woman he defeated in 2018, and is coming back to try and reclaim the seat in 2020.
"I was surprised. I'd been thinking all along that Anthony would vote no and I thought he would do that because I think it's the right vote. I think the allegations, the whole impeachment inquiriy that's going on proved not to come up with any high crime or misdemeanor against the president and I'm a lawyer, he's a lawyer, there's really was no new evidence presented, so I was suprised I thought that he would vote with his constutuents and vote to kind of stop all this," said Republican 22nd district candidate and former Congresswoman, Claudia Tenney.
Broome County history teacher and Republican Candidate, George Phillips, sees the Congressman's decision not as a sign of strength, but a sign of weakness.
"I think it's a sad day for the republic. I think Congressman Brindisi caved to pressure on this vote here and I think voters will remember it, not just the impeachment vote, but the fact that he's not really as independent as he said," said Phillips.
A similar response, from Broome County math teacher, Franklin Sager.
"While we disagree fundamentally on policies and have very different visions for America, I believed that he would respect the votes of his constituents who elected President Trump. If the maority of voters agree with Congressman Brindisi, I will respect the will of the voters. I strongly believe they do not," said Sager.
Brindisi says there will be debate Wednesday on the House floor, before the impeachment vote.