Friend,

Today, I voted to impeach President Trump for his brazen abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.

As I sat in the Senate chamber, I could not help but watch in dismay as colleagues voted to acquit the President – betraying their constitutional obligation to uphold our democracy and the rule of law. This was a moment that challenged us to put country above party. Yet, Senate Republicans chose instead to follow a cult of personality that will further fuel corrupt behavior. I have no doubt that history will haunt them for failing to meet this challenge.

Here’s the bottom line: This vote wasn’t just about whether Trump solicited a political bribe from a foreign leader in a corrupt abuse of power for his own personal gain (which he undeniably did). It was also about what kind of country we want America to be. My Republican colleagues just sent a message to the American people that their President answers to no one – even when he invites foreign interference in our elections. This exact situation was our Founding Fathers’s worst nightmare and why they established impeachment powers in the first place.

I still believe that this President should be – and will be – accountable to those he was elected to serve. The facts will come out. The truth will matter. And it will be because of the bravery of dedicated public servants who had everything to lose and nothing to gain by coming forward – and because of the free press doing the investigative work that Senate Republicans were too cowardly to face.

I promise that the outcome of this White House cover-up and sham trial doesn’t change the facts. I will keep fighting to hold Trump accountable, and I need you all in this fight with me. We have the chance to secure justice at the ballot box this November, so we can’t let up right now. This is not the time to get discouraged. It’s time to get to work.

Thank you,

Dick