Tolbert: Why Shoffner Should Be Impeached Immediately

I will not rehash the case against Martha Shoffner here.  You can read Talk Business’ extensive coverage at this link.  Obviously, Shoffner is innocent until proven guilty as everyone is, but the case against her is solid – record of her accepting the kickback, the cash was found and siezed in her home, she signed an affidavit admitting to accepting it… they’ve got her cold.

In spite of this today, her attorney says that she plans to plead “not guilty” and she says she will not resign “at this time.” So why in the world would she take this stance despite the evidence and the fact that everyone in the state including her own party is calling for her to resign?

The answer seems to me that her attorney is trying to negotiate the best deal he can for.  This is not a criticism against Chuck Banks, but rather a compliment of an excellent defense attorney doing his job with a tough client – one who is clearly guilty and evokes little sympathy.

Shoffner’s resignation is one more bargaining chip she has in negotiating a plea.  Even though U.S. Attorney Chris Thyer tells me today he does not plan to take her decision to resign or not into any plea agreement, if he even offers one, it seems that her defense surely would seek to use this as a bargaining chip.

It is certainly not unprecedented.  Former State Rep. Hudson Hallum agreed to resign his office as part of the guilty plea for his charge of absentee voter fraud.

So it seems then all the more important for Gov. Beebe to call a special session to remove Shoffner from office as soon as this can possibly be coordinated.  The proceeding seems to be relatively easy as spelled out by Roby Brock and Blue Hog blogger Matt Campbell here.  The Governor can remove the Treasurer “upon the joint address of two-thirds of all the members elected to each House of the General Assembly, for good cause.”

I certainly think this is “good cause” and I doubt Gov. Beebe would have any trouble getting two-thirds of both houses to show up for the joint address.

By removing Shoffner immediately, the state legislature can take this bargaining chip away from her.  And really, should we allow her one more chance to use her office to get something else for personal gain?

No, remove her and do it now.

Republican House Majority Leader Bruce Westerman and Senate Majority Leader Eddie Joe Williams agree.

Westerman said, “Martha Shoffner has so far rejected multiple bipartisan calls for her resignation in order to save our state from further damage and embarrassment.  Given the extreme lack of regard she has shown towards the law and, more importantly, the hardworking Arkansas taxpayers whose money she is responsible for, her continued service in the State Treasurer’s office is now untenable.  I call on Governor Beebe to bring the General Assembly together at the earliest possible time to remove Ms. Shoffner from office under Article 15, Section 3 of the Arkansas Constitution.”

“When one of our public officials violates the public trust, it is a sad day for all Arkansans,” said Williams. “Nevertheless, there must be consequences for Treasurer Shoffner’s misconduct and reckless behavior. Therefore, I am joining my colleagues from both sides of the aisle in asking for her resignation. If she continues to refuse to resign, it is my opinion that she should be removed from office since she has proven herself unfit to continue making decisions for the taxpayers of this state. I am confident that the Arkansas Senate would support her removal from office.”