GOP senators say only a few Republicans will vote to convict Trump
By Alexander Bolton - 01/22/21 06:00 AM EST
Republicans say the chances that former President Trump will be convicted in an impeachment trial are plummeting, despite lingering anger among some Republicans over his actions.
Only five or six Republican senators at the most seem likely to vote for impeachment, far fewer than the number needed, GOP sources say.
A two-thirds majority vote would be necessary for a conviction, something that would require at least 17 GOP votes if every Democrat votes to convict Trump.
Senators say a few things have moved in Trump's favor.
One significant development is that Trump decided not to pardon any of the individuals charged with taking part in the Capitol riot, which would have lost him more Republican support.
“I thought if he pardoned people who had been part of this invasion of the Capitol, that would have pushed the number higher because that would have said, ‘These are my guys,’†said one Republican senator, who requested anonymity to speak about how GOP senators are likely to vote.
GOP senators are also worried about a political backlash from the former president’s fervent supporters.
more
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/535343-gop-senators-say-only-a-few-republicans-will-vote-to-convict-trump
