The first order of business at the Senate impeachment trial was determining whether it is constitutional to try a former president. After hearing arguments on both sides, Senators voted 56 to 44 in favor of trying the case (watch above). Six GOP senators ended up voting with all 50 Democrats.
The six Republican US senators who voted to affirm the constitutionality of conducting an impeachment trial of a former president are:
Cassidy of Louisiana
Collins of Maine
Murkowski of Alaska
Romney of Utah
Sasse of Nebraska
Toomey of Pennsylvania pic.twitter.com/8jQ2aWdAoB— Greg Bluestein (@bluestein) February 9, 2021
The yes vote from Bill Cassidy came as a surprise. While most Republicans had made up their minds before the day even began, Cassidy says, for him, it came down to who had the strongest argument,“I’ve always said I would approach this with an open mind and would listen as an impartial juror to both sides… The House managers made a compelling cogent case and the President’s team did not.” Cassidy voted against having the trial back in January.
Sen. Bill Cassidy: “If anyone disagrees with my vote and would like an explanation I ask them to listen to the arguments presented by the House Managers and former Pres. Trump’s lawyers. The House managers had much stronger constitutional arguments. The president’s team did not.” pic.twitter.com/9rNujZFHDR
— Phil Mattingly (@Phil_Mattingly) February 9, 2021