Flashback: Democratic Vice Chair Who Rambled Through Impeachment Hearing Was Himself Impeached and Removed From Office

Florida Democratic Rep. Alcee Hastings, the vice chairman of the House Rules Committee, delivered a bizarre, rambling line of questioning during Tuesday’s impeachment hearing.

Oddly enough, Hastings, while serving as a federal judge, was impeached back in 1988 and removed from office in 1989.

Though the impeachment inquiry took place in 1988, the acts themselves – soliciting a $150,000 bribe in exchange for lightening sentences for two mob-connected individuals – took place in 1981. Hastings was acquitted of conspiracy and obstruction of justice charges in relation to the bribe, but new evidence later revealed Hastings had lied during his testimony and falsified evidence.