The Senate voted 55-45 to set aside Paul’s motion, with all but five GOP senators siding with Paul. GOP Sens. Mitt Romney (Utah), Ben Sasse (Neb.), Susan Collins (Maine), Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) and Pat Toomey (Pa.) voted with Democrats to table Paul’s point of order.
Sen. John Thune (S.D.), the No. 2 GOP senator, said he thought the vote was “indicative” of where Republicans are but it doesn’t “bind” them into voting a particular way on conviction.
Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio), who voted against tabling Paul’s effort, said he didn’t think the vote was about whether or not the trial was constitutional but if there should be a discussion. The vote effectively pigeonholed Paul.
Portman added that he thought Tuesday’s vote and the eventual question of acquittal or conviction are a “totally different issue
Navy Vet
Article URL : https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/535925-senate-rejects-paul-effort-to-declare-trump-impeachment-trial