Deb Gibbons

Concord, New Hampshire ----- HR24, the Petition to Commence Impeachment Procedures in the United States Congress submitted by NH Representative Betty Hall, was tabled by the New Hampshire House on Wednesday, April 16. The vote was 227 to 95 to table the petition. Before the tabling motion was made, there was limited debate, during which most Republicans left the House floor.

The tabling motion was made by the Democratic floor leader, Dan Eaton of Stoddard and spoken for by the Democratic Majority Leader, Mary Jane Wallner of Concord. The tabling motion by the Democratic leadership cut off all further debate, defying the New Hampshire tradition of open debate on the floor of the House.

A poison pill amendment offered by Albert Baldasaro, Republican of Londonderry - a partisan and shameless attack on District 1 Congresswoman Carol Shea Porter - appears to have been successful in intimidating Democratic leadership.

The petition is tabled, but unresolved and will be brought back to the floor. Representative Betty Hall continues to plan for a full debate and vote, as every bill is given that opportunity as a long tradition in the New Hampshire House of Representatives.