Sen. Lisa MurkowskiLisa Ann MurkowskiPelosi says it was ‘sad’ to see McConnell ‘humiliate’ Chief Justice Roberts while presiding over witness voteWarriors coach Steve Kerr knocks senators for voting against new witnesses at trial Trump shares photo of himself golfing as Senate nears end of trialMORE (R-Alaska) said on Monday that she will vote to acquit President TrumpDonald John TrumpTrump shares then deletes tweet praising Chiefs for representing ‘Great State of Kansas’Ken Bone endorses Andrew Yang for president: ‘#YangGang all the way!’Loeffler works to gain traction with conservatives amid Collins primary bidMORE on the two House-passed articles of impeachment.
Murkowski is the first of a small group of potential swing-vote senators to announce their decision ahead of Wednesdays expected final vote.
“I cannot vote to convict. The Constitution provides for impeachment but does not demand it in all instances,” Murkowski said from the Senate floor, adding that removing Trump from office would be “the political death penalty.”
Murkowski appeared to indicate that Trump’s fate should be left up to voters, noting that 2020 ballots were already being printed.
“The voters will pronounce a verdict in nine months, and we must trust their judgement,” she said.
Though Murkowski said that she would vote to acquit Trump, she also publicly chastised him over his decision to ask Ukraine President Zelensky to help “look into” former Vice President Joe BidenJoe BidenBiden responds to GOP senator’s impeachment warningSanders leads in Iowa ahead of caucus: pollThe Memo: Trump threatens to overshadow Democrats in IowaMORE and his son Hunter Biden.
“The president’s behavior was shameful and wrong. His personal interests do not take precedence over those of this great nation,” she said.
Though Murkowski announced her decision on the Senate floor on Monday, she indicated to reporters last week that she had already made a decision on whether or not to find Trump guilty of the two House-passed articles: abusing his power and obstructing Congress in its investigation of those actions.
Murkowski has broken with her party on crucial votes, including voting against ObamaCare repeal in 2017 and being the only GOP senator to oppose Brett KavanaughBrett Michael KavanaughThree ways the end of the impeachment trial could play outCollins challenger Sara Gideon raises .5 million in fourth quarter of 2019Democrats Manchin, Jones signal they’re undecided on Trump removal voteMORE’s Supreme Court nomination.
But she also fell in line last week when she voted against allowing witnesses in the Senate’s impeachment trial.
Murkowski indicated at the time that her decision was swayed in part by wanting to avoid a 50-50 tie. Democrats had been pressuring Chief Justice John Roberts to break the tie and allow new witnesses.
It has also become clear some of my colleagues intend to further politicize this process, and drag the Supreme Court into the fray, while attacking the Chief Justice. I will not stand for nor support that effort. We have already degraded this institution for partisan political benefit, and I will not enable those who wish to pull down another,” Murkowski said in a statement at the time.
She also appeared frustrated with the Senate as an institution saying that “Congress has failed” and there would “be no fair trial in the Senate.”
Murkowski reiterated her frustration from the Senate floor on Monday.
“The House failed in its responsibilities, and the Senate should be ashamed by the rank partisanship that has been on display here,” Murkowski said.
Murkowski added that the Senate debate was “wallowing in partisan mud” and also characterized the House’s investigation was “rushed” and made the “foundation” of the impeachment effort “rotted.”
Murkowski appeared to criticize Senate Minority Leader Charles SchumerCharles (Chuck) Ellis SchumerPelosi says it was ‘sad’ to see McConnell ‘humiliate’ Chief Justice Roberts while presiding over witness voteBehind the scenes of McConnell’s impeachment dramaFox’s Chris Wallace: ‘Every side is going to come out a winner’ on impeachmentMORE (D-N.Y.) for a letter he released publicly outlining the Democratic position on the potential rules for the trial. Schumer argued at the time that he released the letter publicly after privately indicating to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnellAddison (Mitch) Mitchell McConnell’Saturday Night Live’ presents Trump impeachment trial ‘you wish had happened’ Pelosi says it was ‘sad’ to see McConnell ‘humiliate’ Chief Justice Roberts while presiding over witness voteBehind the scenes of McConnell’s impeachment dramaMORE (R-Ky.) that he was ready to begin negotiations.
Her speech came toward the end of the Senate’s work day after Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) had already set the schedule for Tuesday. Senators are expected to use Tuesday and Wednesday until 4 p.m. to give speeches about their decisions.
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