Mitt Romney Says He ‘Agonized’ over Impeachment: ‘I Hoped Beyond Hope’ I Wouldn’t Find Him Guilty

Sen. Mitt Romney (R-UT), who voted to convict President Trump for abuse of power last week, claimed on Sunday that he “agonized” over the responsibility that came with his decision and said he had “hoped beyond hope” he would not find President Trump guilty.

Speaking to KSL’s Sunday Edition during the weekend, Romney, who asserted last week that the president “committed an act so extreme and egregious that it rises to the level of a high crime and misdemeanor,” said he “agonized over the responsibility that ultimately would come [his] way” and proclaimed that he “hoped beyond hope” he would not find Trump guilty.

“Well, I took my responsibility exactly as the Constitution defines it and as the oath I took requires it,” Romney told KSL’s Doug Wright, again citing his oath before God, “which is what I was sworn before God to apply impartial justice as a Senate juror.”

The Utah senator continued to defend his decision, proclaiming that he “thoroughly studied” the evidence, which moved him to vote to convict the president.

Washington homeowner hears mysterious banging, calls 911 before police find growling bobcat at top of stairs

Breaking: Intimidation Arrest Made Outside Courthouse of Lindsay Clancy Trial Setting Stage for Potential Mistrial

Tyler Robinson to face trial in Charlie Kirk assassination as judge keeps death penalty on table

Top Democrat survives double-barreled challenge as party’s Israel divide hits home

Colin Kaepernick Reemerges and Tries to Cash in on Playing the Victim

House Democrat survives left-flank challenge as Bernie volunteer mounts insurgent bid

Trump Wants Congress to Save Hollywood from Going Bust – His Heart Might Be in The Right Place, But He’s Dead Wrong

DOJ sues Kansas school district over ‘secret gender transitions’ in first-of-its-kind lawsuit

Former president-turned-amateur artist George W. Bush debuting new paintings for 9/11 remembrance

Canadian Voters Double Down on Hostility Toward Trump, Hand Liberal Party Special Election Sweep

Republicans turn on House GOP lawmaker accused of late-night texts, lavish gifts to female staffers

Starmer steps down from Parliament to seek opportunities in ‘international affairs,’ with Greens eager to snatch his seat

Ex-Indiana deputy charged with felony for allegedly using Flock cameras to stalk girlfriend

House Democrats Panicking as Republicans Prepare to Make Them Go on the Record with Socialism Vote

Spanberger fact-checked after Trump mail-voting warning raises military ballot fears

“I agonized over the responsibility that ultimately would come my way,” Romney said. “I hoped beyond hope that I would not have to find him guilty of what had been alleged.”

“They didn’t want to provide any information for those of us who were having a responsibility to provide impartial justice,” Romney said of the refusal to allow additional witnesses to testify.

He also attributed his decision to “family tradition,” citing his dad, whom he described as “a person who stood by his word and did exactly what he thought was right regardless of the consequence.”

“And that is a family tradition which I hold dear,” he said.

“I did believe that I was doing exactly what I swore I would do,” he added.

Romney’s decision to convict the president earned him high praise from high-profile Democrats, including Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), who praised her colleague’s “courage” during Friday’s Democrat debate in New Hampshire.

“There was a lot of courage you saw from very few people,” Klobuchar said. “There was courage from Doug Jones, our friends from Alabama that took that tough vote. There was courage from Mitt Romney, who took a very, very difficult vote”:

Amy Klobuchar knocks idea of being a "cool newcomer": "We have a newcomer in the White House, and look where it got us. I think having some experience is a good thing." https://t.co/Rhy9aOaDTU #DemDebate pic.twitter.com/cqusxWYJfl

— ABC News (@ABC) February 8, 2020