"It is important to note that this House is not voting to removal Judge Goodman from office. That is the work and the decision of the Senate."
That was House Impeachment Committee Chair Jason Nemes on March 20, the day the chamber voted largely along party lines to impeach Fayette Circuit Court Judge Julie Goodman and deliver the case to the Senate.
This week, Franklin Circuit Judge Philip Shepherd acted to void the impeachment, arguing the petition failed to show sufficient grounds for removal. Shepherd, however, went on to say the Senate isn't restrained by his ruling.
Now, lawmakers tell the Lexington Herald-Leader the trial in the upper chamber will move forward, with Senate President Robert Stivers saying Shepherd has no constitutional authority to overturn the impeachment.
The impeachment has produced a tangle of legal interpretations. While the Senate continues its proceedings, which could result in the removal of Judge Goodman, the matter is also before the Kentucky Supreme Court — where Goodman has filed a request to halt the Senate trial.