(WSIL) -- The impeachment process isn't new to Representative John Shimkus. The Collinsville Republican was in office during the impeachment trial of President Clinton.
Rep. Shimkus believes the current impeachment trial was rushed and that Democrats had already made up their minds.
"I think the two articles are really goofy. One is obstruction of justice of Congress, and if you understand the Constitution, they rushed through this and should have allowed the courts to decide whether the president could claim executive privilege or not," he explains.
Shimkus spent Monday visiting residents in Saline and Hardin counties.
"Kind of an update on what's going on in this area so I don't lose, you know, touch."
Although he's months away from retiring, Shimkus already has someone in mind to take his seat.
"A conservative Republican. So all of the candidates that are running that are pro-life, 2nd Amendment, less government, lower taxes, more personable freedom, we're going to be fine with any Republican that comes out of the primary."
And if a Democrat was elected?
"Well, the Democrats in southern Illinois is somewhat conservative, you know, but their party has really gone off the rails in Washington."
