The following is a statement from the Senate’s closed deliberations on the Articles of Impeachment against President Clinton, excerpts of which senators were allowed to publish in the Congressional Record for Friday, February 12, 1999.

Senator Peter Fitzgerald was a Republican senator from Illinois. He served from 1999 until 2005.

Statement by Senator Peter Fitzgerald (Republican – Illinois)

As a freshman Senator, I am saddened that the first issue I confront in my service to the people of Illinois is the impeachment of a President of the United States. It is difficult to imagine a task less welcome and more awesome to me. As a newly elected Senator, I have barely begun to know the Senate, my colleagues, our rules and procedures, our precedents, or, finally, even our duty. I have watched you all so carefully–looking for examples, and guidance–and wondering at the gravity of these days. [Read more…]