The Founders' Plot

Two days later, Stern and Griswold held a press conference. “We’ve decided that the governor’s actions warrant impeachment,” Griswold said, gripping the podium. “If we do nothing it reflects badly on our entire legislature, our entire state. It’s a rogue and lawless move that endangers our judicial system. And Governor DiGrasso deserves more than a slap on the wrist.”

He pointed to a reporter, who stood and asked, “What will the charges be?”

Stern stepped to the podium. “There are a number of them. Abuse of power is one. He’s certainly acting like he’s a king instead of a governor. Failure to comply with a Supreme Court order. Failure to abide by the Constitution. There are others, but we think these will do.”

She called on a reporter from a local TV station.

“Even if you impeach the governor, that doesn’t mean the senate will remove him from office. Do you think you have the votes to do that?”

“We’re still tabulating that. Even if we don’t, this is at least more than just a reprimand. The legislature is showing its severe disapproval of what the governor is doing. And it’s more than just ignoring the court.

“Look how he managed the sanctuary ban. He just dug in his heels without even an attempt at a bipartisan solution. And I think it’s simply hypocrisy for him to take legal action against those cities and then refuse to comply with a Supreme Court decision.”

She almost smiled, knowing that DiGrasso would be watching and hearing her call him a hypocrite again. She gestured with her head to another reporter, who said, “The governor is making a pretty good case for what he’s doing.”

“Yes,” Stern said. “Governor DiGrasso is particularly good at obfuscating the primary issue. He can be very convincing. But the fact is, he’s acting foolishly and dangerously. Congressman Griswold was right. This is a threat to our entire judicial system.”