How to Recall a U.S. Senator (Or Congressman)

E-How ^ | 11-21-2009 | By eHow Contributing Writer

[Texas Fossil]

Senators have to find a balance between voting their conscience and voting as their constituents would like. If senators vote their conscience too heavily, constituents tend to get angry. When this happens, constituents may ask for a recall of their U.S. Senator.

(The 5 steps are listed in detail)

--

The 18 states allowing for recall are as follows: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington and Wisconsin.

[The Cajun]

If we could get some bold Republican leadership in Louisiana, I think we could get rid of that fat little *itch from New Orleans. Most people in Louisiana don't know we have that option, once they find out I think there is a good chance a movement could start.

[Irish Eyes]

I don’t know how successful it would be but it might make some of them nervous enough to think before they screw Americans. Its kind of like forcing them into an election year.

Agree.. it might put a little fear into them.

[Texas Fossil]

I have been told several times tonight that Recall does not apply to Congressmen or Senators. Only removed by impeachment, the Congress with the Senate hearing the trial.

I am afraid that is the case after examining it.

[The Cajun]

Damn, I was looking for something to be happy about.

[ReignOfError]

It might be possible for a member of Congress to be impeached, but it would be silly. Impeachment requires a simple majority in the House and two-thirds in the Senate. Expulsion requires only a two-thirds vote in one house.

The only time impeachment would make sense if the House could get a majority, but not 2/3, for expulsion of one of its members; that’s a fairly narrow case and a lot of rigamarole to remove one rep of 435. There is no case where it would make sense to impeach a senator.

[ReignOfError]

A study by the Congressional Research Service: http://lugar.senate.gov/services/pdf_crs/Recall_of_Legislators_and_the_Removal_of_Members_of_Congress_from_Office.pdf

The Constitution is specific about the time and manner of selecting members of Congress, and that the individual houses of Congress have jurisdiction over the qualifications and expulsion of their members. Recall was considered and rejected by the Constitutional Convention, so there isn’t a lot of leeway in divining their intent.