Ensign theoretically could vote twice on Clinton's fate

WASHINGTON -- If Rep. John Ensign defeats Sen. Harry Reid this year, he might join an elite group of congressmen who could cast two votes deciding President Clinton's fate.

Many different things would have to fall into place for this to happen: Ensign, R-Nev., would have to defeat Reid, D-Nev.; the House would have to vote for impeachment before the end of the year; and the Senate would have to take up the matter in 1999.

The House of Representatives votes on impeachment, and the Senate is given the task whether a president should be removed from office.

Ensign joins Reps. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y.; Bob Inglis, R-S.C.; Mark Neumann, R-Wis.; and Linda Smith, R-Wash.; who all face similar situations.

Ensign did not want to speak on the matter, and he is being very calculated on what he says about the impeachment issue. Following last week's vote by the House to direct the House Judiciary Committee to begin an impeachment inquiry of Clinton, Ensign was careful not to tip his hat on his personal thoughts.

"I think to comment whether or not I think he should be impeached would be improper," Ensign said. "It is an absolute duty to remain impartial."

But Ensign also is the only Nevada congressman who has called for Clinton to voluntarily resign from office.

Dr. Steven Parker, a professor of political science at UNLV, thinks Ensign has received a directive from the House Republican Leadership. Parker teaches a course on the presidency.

"Most of the conservative Republicans -- including Congressman Ensign -- are taking cues from House Speaker Newt Gingrich," Parker said. "(Gingrich) has told them to take the high road and emphasize the process."

Parker also predicts that if Ensign is put in this position, then some political observers will request that if he voted for impeachment, the Nevada Republican should recuse himself from the Senate vote.

But Parker said Ensign could argue the impeachment vote is different from the Senate's removal vote, and thus he should be allowed to vote.

MARK PRESTON writes for States News Service.

archive