Senator Romney Conviction Vote Draws Mixed Reaction

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Senator Mitt Romney’s vote in the Senate impeachment trial drew both praise and outrage. The junior Utah Senator stood alone among Republicans and became the first to ever vote to remove a president in his own party from office.

The vote drew mixed reactions in the Beehive State.

Dozens of supporters showed up at last-minute rally outside the Salt Lake Federal Building to thank Romney.

“I was a little bit surprised, but also just really happy to hear he was willing to follow his conscience,” said Susan Finlayson.  “I think he’s with Utah.”

Many supported Romney during the election. Others tell me they didn’t. But he’s gained their support now after today’s unexpected #vote in the #Senate. pic.twitter.com/62oMSXPht3

— Matt Rascon (@MattRasconNews) February 6, 2020

Not long before Wednesday’s much-anticipated vote, Senator Romney addressed his colleagues and announced his intention to vote to convict President Donald J. Trump on the first article of impeachment, abuse of power.

“Accordingly, the President is guilty of an appalling abuse of the public trust,” Romney said in a speech that lasted more than eight minutes. “I knew from the outset that being tasked with judging the president, the leader of my own party, would be the most difficult decision I have ever faced. I was not wrong.”

As some rallied in support of his decision, and more send thank you letters, not surprisingly, Romney’s stunning move wasn’t sitting well with many of President Trump’s supporters.

“Didn’t pay any attention to it, candidly,” said Don Peay, a Trump supporter and friend of the Trump family. “It’s an embarrassment to the people of Utah, and it’s an embarrassment to those who love the constitution.”

The Utah Republican Party said in a statement, “As a party, we strongly disagree with the vote cast today by Senator Romney, and stand firmly behind our President, whose policies have created an unprecedented level of American prosperity.”

“I take an oath before God as enormously consequential.” Less than 2 hours before the #Senate #vote, Senator Romney announced from the floor he will vote to convict President Trump of abuse of power and acquit him of obstruction. #ksltv #ImpeachmentTrial https://t.co/PhOusk3GNC

— Matt Rascon (@MattRasconNews) February 5, 2020

Fellow Senator Mike Lee congratulated the President on the acquittal in a post on Twitter, adding, “Those who voted to remove you were wrong. Very wrong.”

For the small group holding thank you signs in the snow in downtown Salt Lake, Senator Romney’s vote was the only thing right that happened on the Republican side during the impeachment trial.

“I’m just really glad we have a senator here that isn’t just a push over,” Finlayson said.

“I saw some of the hate he was receiving online, and I felt like it was important to come out here and show him some love and thank him for what he did,” Diana Grant said.

No matter the response to Romney’s votes, both sides may be able to agree on one thing: the most important vote on President Trump is yet to come in the November 2020 election.