The outgoing senator's opposition to further evidence means that Democrats will almost certainly lack the votes on Friday to issue subpoenas for testimony from witnesses such as former National Security Adviser John Bolton.
Republican Senator Lamar Alexander of Tennessee said Thursday that he does not believe lawmakers require more evidence to reach a conclusion in the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump, rendering it almost certain that his party has enough votes to block a forthcoming effort by Democrats to subpoena witnesses.
However, he said it's been established in the trial that Trump's attempts to have former Vice President Joe Biden and his son, Hunter, investigated do not rise to the level of impeachment. An ally of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , Alexander was among a handful of Republicans considered wildcards when it came to witnesses and Trump's guilt. His decision came at the conclusion of the second day of the question-and-answer portion of the trial.
That leaves a vote for witnesses two short. It remains to be seen as Sen. Lisa Murkowski , who's held her cards close, plans to vote.
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