By Yvonne Wingett Sanchez | Arizona Republic
The U.S. Senate’s impeachment trial of President Donald Trump is almost certain to end in his acquittal given the makeup of the Republican-controlled chamber.
For Arizonans, the only real suspense now that the House has formally impeached the president is how Democratic Sen. Kyrsten Sinema will vote on the articles accusing Trump of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.
Sinema, who holds a law degree, is closely studying the articles, the witness testimonies and the House committee reports ahead of the trial, a senate staffer said.
She has offered no insight into how she views the case presented by House Democrats but has consistently said she would withhold judgment until the evidence was presented to the Senate.
“Following the votes in the U.S. House, Senators have a Constitutional duty to treat this process with the gravity and impartiality that our oaths demand,” Sinema said Wednesday in a statement to The Arizona Republic.
“I will uphold that responsibility, free of partisan politics, regardless of the attitudes displayed by some elected officials in both parties.”
Sinema’s new comment came days after the views of her seatmate, Republican Sen. Martha McSally, became more clear.
McSally, who had been striking a more measured tone on impeachment, was captured on audio defending Trump while talking to Arizona Republican activists. McSally’s campaign manager later said she “hasn’t heard anything so far that would lead her to believe impeachment.”
The U.S. Senate’s impeachment trial of President Donald Trump is almost certain to end in his acquittal given the makeup of the Republican-controlled chamber.
