Mitt Romney and Susan Collins: John Bolton Book Leaks ‘Strengthen the Case’ for Impeachment Testimony

Sens. Mitt Romney (R-UT) and Susan Collins (R-ME) said Monday that, respectively, he believes it is “important” for former White House National Security Advisor John Bolton to testify in the Senate impeachment trial, and she thinks the leaks of Bolton’s upcoming book that may tie into the case “strengthen” the argument for calling him as a witness.

“I think with the story that came out yesterday, it’s increasingly apparent it would be important to hear from John Bolton,” Romney told reporters. “I, of course, will make a final decision on witnesses after we’ve heard from not only the prosecution but also the defense. But I think at this stage it’s pretty fair to say that John Bolton has a relevant testimony to provide to those of us who are sitting in impartial justice.”

Collins released a statement Monday that she is still in favor of witnesses at the trial. “The reports about Bolton’s book strengthen the case for witnesses and have prompted a number of conversations among my colleagues,” she said.

Oklahoma attorney general breaks GOP ranks in Catholic charter school legal fight

Trump White House Boots Senior Trade Official After Wedding Photo Surfaces

Video: The Time AOC Told Entire World Biden Should Ignore Court Rulings – Never Let Democrats Forget This

Illinois candidate for Durbin Senate seat consolidates support with Duckworth endorsement

EXCLUSIVE: Trump has achieved more in 100 days than ‘most presidents’ in their lifetimes, Johnson says

Georgia Republicans wait on Kemp as competitive Senate primary brews

Trump says ‘disruptors’ at GOP town hall events should be ‘immediately ejected’: ‘Troublemakers’

New England serial killer fears: Rhode Island police search for ‘clandestine graves’ amid string of deaths

Inside the elite police unit that’s quietly thwarting terror attacks

Trump reveals Zelensky asked for more weapons in Vatican meeting

Canadian election campaigns end on somber note after Vancouver massacre

Trump disappointed Russia launched rockets at Ukraine, blames Obama, Biden for Crimea giveaway

Cousin of infamous fraudster ‘Crazy Eddie’ out to bring down Trump nemesis NY AG Letitia James

Caught Red-Handed: Animal Activists Used Homeless Pets to Fund Vegan Diet Crusade

Second suspect arrested in connection to DHS Secretary Noem’s purse snatching

JUST IN: GOP Sen. Susan Collins: "The reports about John Bolton's book strengthen the case for witnesses and have prompted a number of conversations among my colleagues." https://t.co/kT4FAgq5Ad pic.twitter.com/UqRfU84P2o

— ABC News (@ABC) January 27, 2020

Romney has previously signaled his support for calling additional witnesses as part of the upper chamber’s proceedings, including Bolton.

“I support the Clinton impeachment model, which is a vote on witnesses later. But as to which witnesses I’d want to hear from, and so forth, that’s something which I’m open to until after the opening arguments,” the Utah Republican said earlier this month.

Bolton is someone who “I would like to hear from, and presumably, I’d get the chance to vote for that,” he added.

In addition to Romney and Collins, Sens. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and Cory Gardner (R-CO) could also support hearing from Bolton. Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN), who will not run for re-election, may also back the move.

Earlier Monday, President Donald Trump rebuked claims that he sought to tie aid to Ukraine to inquiries into “Democrats,” tweeting: