BREAKING: Rocky Senate Republicans meeting (Punchbowl email)

[brooklynite]

Senate Republicans had a pretty eventful private conference call today with lots of news on impeachment, and lots of hints about just how rocky things might turn for the GOP.

A few nuggets for you to chew on:
→ Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) announced on the call that Donald Trump has hired Butch Bowers to represent him in his impeachment trial -- Punchbowl News broke this several hours ago. Bowers has represented a host of high-ranking GOP officials. He is based in Columbia, S.C., and once shared an office with Henry McMaster, the governor of South Carolina, per the great Jamie Lovegrove of the Post and Courier.

→ Graham also said that he, Mitch McConnell and Bowers have been talking about the “pre-trial process” for the impeachment trial. Trump’s team wants time to prepare for the proceedings, arguing that the House process was so quick, the former president didn’t have the opportunity to respond to the charges. It is unclear how long the Trump defense team needs to prepare. McConnell is expected to present his rules request to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. Meanwhile, Nancy Pelosi hasn’t even sent the article of impeachment to the Senate yet. And the rules dictate that the Senate needs to start the proceedings when Pelosi sends them over. Republicans are hoping to start the trial in February.

→ This is new: McConnell is requesting the Senate issue a summons to Trump on Jan. 28. Trump would then have until Feb. 11 to submit his pre-trial brief. The House would then have until Feb. 13 to submit a rebuttal.

→ There was lots of discussion on the call about whether an impeachment trial is allowed or even proper. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) said Republicans should not agree to any processes for the trial, and instead, Trump should go to the Supreme Court to challenge the constitutionality of impeaching a former president.

If there’s anyone out there who still believes that Republicans are ready to convict Trump, this should help frame your thoughts with a bit more accuracy. Many Republicans do not even believe a trial is appropriate.

[Historic NY]

1. They don't run the show, the impeachment managers do.

[Laelth]

2. Useful, informative post. Thank you. n/t

-Laelth

[W_HAMILTON]

3. Where did this "Punchbowl" news come from?

It's a strange name. I had never heard of it, then it just randomly started popping up all over the place. I'm not against new news organizations -- I remember when Axios first became "mainstream" and I trust it as a reputable source now -- but I haven't heard much about what's the story behind this "Punchbowl" place...

[brooklynite]

5. New political newsletter

PUNCHBOWL NEWS is a membership-based news community founded by journalists and best-selling authors JAKE SHERMAN and ANNA PALMER, and co-founded by veteran Capitol Hill reporter JOHN BRESNAHAN. Punchbowl is the Secret Service nickname for the Capitol. Our credo is Power, People, Politics. We’ll focus relentlessly on the people in Washington who make decisions, and on the news and events that will move political markets. Punchbowl events will bring you closer to the news, and help you better understand Washington’s leadership. Join the community today.

https://punchbowl.news/meet-punchbowl

They're subscription based (and not cheap) but they put out a free daily newsletter.

[W_HAMILTON]

7. Ahh, thanks for the information.

I am familiar with Jake Sherman and he seems to be a relatively trustworthy reporter.

[BlueIdaho]

4. Thanks for the info!

Remind me again - when do Democrats take control of the Senate?

[KentuckyWoman]

6. He was Impeached while still in office

He was not a former President when he was impeached. So the basis of "We can't" is a lie. GOP normal....