Originally published in The Philadelphia Inquirer

By Jonathan Tamari

WASHINGTON — They’re known as “The Fab Four,” a group of freshman Democratic women who broke into Pennsylvania’s all-male delegation together and forged a quick bond.

But when it comes to the most consequential debate now confronting Democrats, the four are split.
Two, from deep-blue districts, have called for an impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump. Two from swing districts say that they’re not ready and that the party is better off focusing on kitchen-table issues, like health care.

The different stands within the group of friends mirror the wider party split among House Democrats as they wrestle with Trump’s stonewalling of Congress. The debate gained new energy this week as Reps. Mary Gay Scanlon, of Delaware County, and Madeleine Dean, of Montgomery County, joined a growing chorus of more than two dozen Democrats urging their party to launch an impeachment inquiry, arguing that Trump and his administration have defied Congress’ constitutional authority with his blanket refusals to answer subpoenas.

Their close colleagues, Reps. Chrissy Houlahan, of Chester County, and Susan Wild, of Lehigh County, said it was too soon. So did New Jersey Reps. Jeff Van Drew, of Cape May County, and Andy Kim, of Burlington County. All four Democrats won moderate House districts that had been held by Republicans for decades, and three of them are prime targets in 2020.

"I’m not at that place at this point in time,” Houlahan said. "I don’t think we’ve exhausted all of the abilities that we have as a Congress through subpoena, through the courts, through the pressures of our leadership. When I look at the list of things that our constituents have called us about … sixth or seventh on the list is issues of impeachment, and it’s equal on both sides.”

Constituents are much more focused on concerns such as gun laws and women’s reproductive rights, she said. Wild said she would rather focus on lowering community college costs.“I have tremendous respect for my Pennsylvania colleagues who have come out and said that it’s time to proceed,” Wild said. “I’m not there yet.”

Where local Democrats stand
Supporting an Impeachment Inquiry
Rep. Madeleine Dean, Montgomery County
Rep. Dwight Evans, Philadelphia
Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon, Delaware County

Opposing
Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, Chester County
Rep. Andy Kim, Burlington County
Rep. Jeff Van Drew, Cape May County
Rep. Susan Wild, Lehigh County

Unclear/No comment
Rep. Brendan Boyle, Philadelphia
Rep. Donald Norcross, Camden County