IMPEACHMENT IS MORE THAN A POLITICAL PROCESS

Impeachment hearings will convene this week before the House Judiciary Committee chaired by Rep. Henry Hyde, R-Ill. Following the election that retained Republican control but by a paper-thin six-seat margin, Hyde released a statement saying, "Our duty hasn't changed because the Constitution hasn't changed."

Hyde is right, and the inquiry should go forward regardless of political consequences or opinion polls. The fact is that in September, 405 of the 435 members of the House voted for an inquiry of impeachment of this president. This set in motion a constitutional process that can't be derailed short of holding hearings, listening to witnesses and taking a committee vote on the proposed articles of impeachment. Should the committee vote down these articles, this will be the end of the matter. Should they win committee approval, the articles will be before the full House of Representatives for floor debate and a vote. While the likelihood of impeachment was certainly reduced by this month's election results, this shouldn't affect determination to fulfill a process grounded in the Constitution.