Good Monday morning. Here’s your Digest:
1. Craig a ‘yes’ vote on impeachment. Minnesota freshman Democratic Rep. Angie Craig says she will vote in favor of articles of impeachment against President Trump. Craig announced her decision Sunday morning in a letter to constituents. She said it came after reviewing the public testimony of the past month, as well as the final House Intelligence Committee report. "No elected leader is above the law," she wrote. "It is clear from the testimony and the report delivered to Congress that the president attempted to coerce a foreign government into investigating his political rival by withholding congressionally-appropriated military assistance to a foreign ally. This is a clear abuse of power by a sitting U.S. president for his own personal gain. It is also clear that the president obstructed Congress by refusing to produce documents and blocking testimony during the impeachment inquiry, which is against the law. "My values would require the same vote if this were a Democratic president. It is about protecting our democratic values, about right and wrong, and about upholding my oath to the Constitution and the rule of law." MPR News
2. Peterson a likely ‘no.’ Barring new information that could convince him otherwise, Rep. Collin Peterson said he will vote against impeaching President Trump when the issue comes for a vote Wednesday in the U.S. House of Representatives. Peterson said he expects 4-5 other Democrats will do the same. Peterson, who represents Minnesota’s Seventh Congressional District, made the comments Saturday while attending the annual meeting of the First District Association, a dairy cooperative in Litchfield. Peterson said he normally doesn’t make a decision until an issue — and all the information — is on the floor for a vote but said “unless they come up with something between now and Wednesday,” he will not support the articles of impeachment. “Maybe something will change. I doubt it,” he said. Forum News Service
3. Philips leads push to put former Republican on House impeachment team. A private campaign is underway to draft Rep. Justin Amash (I-Mich.) as an impeachment manager in the Senate trial of President Trump, a bid to diversify House Democrats’ appeal to voters with a rare conservative voice. A group of 30 freshman Democrats, led by Rep. Dean Phillips (D-Minn.), has asked House leaders to consider the libertarian, who left the Republican Party earlier this year, for the small group tasked with arguing its case for removing Trump in the upper chamber, according to several Democratic officials. The thinking, according to these people, is that Amash would reach conservative voters in a way Democrats can’t, potentially bolstering their case to the public. He also would provide Democrats cover from GOP accusations that they’re pursuing a partisan impeachment; Amash is one of the most conservative members of the House and a vocal Trump critic. “To the extent that this can be bipartisan, it should, and I think including Representative Amash amongst the impeachment managers is a smart move both for the country, for the substance and for the optics,” Phillips said. Washington Post
4. Liberians refugees expected to get \help in the Senate. A new bill expected to pass the U.S. Senate Monday would give some Liberian immigrants in Minnesota and across the country permanent residency and a path to citizenship. Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) holders would be eligible to apply for permanent status under a provision in the widely supported National Defense Authorization Act. Lawmakers called it a major victory for the Liberian community, which has established deep roots in Minnesota with an estimated population of 30,000. The population of DED holders nationwide is estimated at 4,000. Original cosponsors of the Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act include both DFL senators from Minnesota, Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar. Smith called it a historic win and said she expects the bill will pass the Senate and be signed by President Trump. “Immigration issues have been so politicized and it has made it so difficult to come to agreement,” Smith said. “So to have this issue today reach a bipartisan agreement, I think is really a tribute to the strong voices in the Liberian community and so many others who have fought hard to make sure that these members of our community have a chance to become a citizen.” MPR News
5. Walz declares Minnesota open to refugees. Gov. Tim Walz on Friday gave his formal consent to let refugees keep settling in Minnesota, and he said he rejected the intent of President Trump’s recent executive order requiring state and local governments to formally OK such settlements. And on another front, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison joined a lawsuit challenging the executive order. “Refugees strengthen our communities,” the governor wrote in a letter released by his office to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. “Bringing new cultures and fresh perspectives, they contribute to the social fabric of our state. Opening businesses and supporting existing ones, they are critical to the success of our economy.” With a nod toward Christmas, Walz added, “The inn is not full in Minnesota.” Trump issued the executive order in September, effectively giving state and local authorities more power to close the door on refugee settlements or affirm that refugees were welcome. MPR News | 