NW Illinois News

Illinois state Rep. Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport) recently joined a group of President Donald Trump's supporters in a downtown Rockford demonstration, where the clear message was that impeachment is not the answer.

Chesney was quick to point out that those in opposition to the president also have the right to ensure that their voices heard – which is why we hold elections every four years.

"I think that that dialogue is an important part and it's certainly built into the fabric of our country and, as long as it's respectful, I don't see any issue with it," Chesney told WIFR. "I just wholeheartedly disagree with their position."

Illinois state Rep. John Cabello (R-Machesney Park)

Chesney was joined at the demonstration by fellow Rep. John Cabello (R-Machesney Park), who likened what’s happening in Washington D.C. to what he sees almost every day in Springfield.

"It's a circus, it's a sideshow, it's everything to get people's minds off of what is really going on," Cabello said.

Protesters representing both sides of the issue have taken to the streets across the U.S. to raise their voices in the wake of the Democrat-led U.S. House of Representatives' vote last week to file two articles of impeachment against the president. Trump is formally accused of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. 

While supporters of the measure, such as U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-Naperville), argue that the president left those in Congress with no choice, Trump and his allies have castigated the proceedings as a sham operation designed to give Democrats a better chance of reclaiming the White House.   

The proceedings are now slated to go before the U.S. Senate for a full trial. However, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-California) has indicated she may hold on to the articles until her side receives assurance of a fair process in the Republican-controlled Senate.