Trump, allies raise pressure on Senate GOP ahead of impeachment
By Jonathan Easley - 01/25/21 07:18 PM EST
Allies of former President Trump are waging an intense pressure campaign aimed at convincing GOP senators to vote against his conviction in next month’s impeachment trial.
The message to wavering GOP senators is that anyone who votes to convict Trump is guaranteeing a tough primary challenge that could end their political career.
The message is directed not only to red-state GOP senators who might be thinking of moving the party away from Trump, but to GOP leaders who might want to break with the president after a pro-Trump mob ransacked the Capitol on Jan. 6.
“There are several incumbent Republicans up in 2022 that would be vulnerable in a primary, from Roy Blunt to Todd Young and John Thune and many others,†said one prominent operative in Trump’s orbit. “The last thing these guys need is a pissed off Trump gunning for them.â€
The warnings come as Congress is ramping up for an impeachment trial set to begin on Feb. 8.
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https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/535754-trump-builds-pressure-on-gop-ahead-of-impeachment
