Dear Senators Lee and Romney,

I am a voter in Utah who has affiliated with the Republican Party for my entire adult life, but I have left the party because of the deep concern I have regarding the actions of Republican lawmakers and leaders. The current degree of partisanship in Congress is unprecedented in my lifetime, and I am baffled by Republicans’ continued willingness to demonstrate blind party loyalty, especially when that loyalty conflicts with long-held conservative values.

The current impeachment proceedings are a dangerous case in point. Senator McConnell’s admission that there is “total coordination” between his office and the White House regarding the upcoming trial is not only unethical, it is unconstitutional, and is the sort of bald partisanship that threatens the system of checks and balances so carefully crafted by our Founders. 

I strongly believe that more evidence and testimony is needed to uncover the truth about President Trump’s actions regarding his abuse of presidential power and obstruction of Congress. Because of the White House’s lack of cooperation with the investigation in the House, I would hope that the Senate will conduct a thorough, balanced trial and call witnesses for testimony that were previously blocked, including John R. Bolton. 

I agree with the enclosed statement on impeachment by Mormon Women for Ethical Government and hope that Senators will carefully consider the historic nature of the responsibility that now rests on their shoulders, as the actions they take now will be remembered long after the trial closes. May the memory not be one that causes shame and regret. 

Sincerely,
Melissa (Utah)