BREAKING: Senator Lisa Murkowski Will Vote Against Witnesses

CNN is reporting that Senator Lisa Murkowski from Alaska will vote against impeachment witness.  This now assures that Republicans have the necessary 51 votes to stop the witnesses.  This will bring the impeachment trial to a vote and an end, hopefully very soon.

Murkowski explained in a statement,

I worked for a fair, honest, and transparent process, modeled after the Clinton trial, to provide ample time for both sides to present their cases, ask thoughtful questions, and determine whether we need more.

The House chose to send articles of impeachment that are rushed and flawed. I carefully considered the need for additional witnesses and documents, to cure the shortcomings of its process, but ultimately decided that I will vote against considering motions to subpoena.

Given the partisan nature of this impeachment from the very beginning and throughout, I have come to the conclusion that there will be no fair trial in the Senate. I don’t believe the continuation of this process will change anything. It is sad for me to admit that, as an institution, the Congress has failed.

It has also become clear some of my colleagues intend to further politicize this process, and drag the Supreme Court into the fray, while attacking the Chief Justice. I will not stand for nor support that effort. We have already degraded this institution for partisan political benefit, and I will not enable those who wish to pull down another.

We are sadly at a low point of division in this country.

Murkowski was the last remaining undecided vote up in the air for the Republicans.

Congress did not fail.  The House did.  But I quibble.

To this development, we say…