Rand Paul threatens fellow Republicans with explosive witness votes – POLITICO

Paul and Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) are arguing that Republicans are in danger of giving Minority Leader Chuck Schumer the witnesses he wants by even considering a debate over new testimony. And that has Paul in the good graces of senior Republicans who have spent years dealing with his parliamentary antics.

Hes just showing hes not going to go quietly. If theres some witnesses allowed, he wants to make sure theres some reciprocity, said Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), who is close to McConnell. His point is that it shouldnt be just a one-way street. Hes got a good point.

Its easy to see how the witness debate could get out of control for vulnerable senators in both parties. In addition to Pauls plans, Democrats would also be sure to offer difficult votes for Republicans facing reelection like Collins, Cory Gardner of Colorado and Martha McSally of Arizona. And Democrats have a pair of incumbent senators up for reelection in November in states Trump won in 2016, as well: Doug Jones of Alabama and Gary Peters of Michigan.

I dont know if somebody proposes Rudy Giuliani as one of the reciprocal witnesses, how many votes that will get, Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin said.

By threatening to create the circus-like atmosphere the GOP is trying to avoid, Paul could in fact shut down the witness debate and help Senate Republicans protect their majority. Just three Republicans are strongly considering voting to hear witnesses, one short of the simple majority needed. Senators like Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) are undecided and want to wait until they hear the opening arguments, meaning the whip count is unsettled.

And senior Republicans believe the specter of a chaotic witness debate could stifle the thirst for hearing new evidence.

I certainly dont think its to anybodys advantage to have this constant offering of motions and back and forth that goes on indefinitely in terms of who may or may not be called, Senate Majority Whip John Thune (R-S.D.) said.

But if there are 51 votes for witnesses and the trial is extended, Pauls tactics will become a huge problem for vulnerable GOP incumbents. His motions will put them between swing voters and Trumps base, a poor position to be in during an election year.

Paul said he doesnt want to let it get to that point. But if it does, hes ready to go. And he thinks Trump will be, too.

If some Republicans help Democrats get witnesses and there are no witnesses for the president, I think the end result is a revolutionary tide against those people, Paul said. I cant imagine that [Trump] will let it go by if someone votes to bring in witnesses that his administration isnt interested in.

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Rand Paul threatens fellow Republicans with explosive witness votes - POLITICO