Wednesday, January 27, 1999
Some Tristate senators no-commenting on witness issue
BY PAUL BARTON
Enquirer Washington Bureau
WASHINGTON — Most Cincinnati-area senators oppose holding deliberations on President Clinton's fate in public. But several aren't commenting on whether they will vote to allow witnesses, a key point in the trial that may come today.
Those not commenting on the witness issue are Sens. Jim Bunning, R-Ky.; Evan Bayh, D-Ind.; and George Voinovich, R-Ohio.
Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., has not said definitely, but indicated on Sunday television news shows that he was leaning toward calling witnesses, after earlier opposing the idea.
Two definites
Two who are clearly supporting witnesses are Sens. Mike DeWine, R-Ohio, and Richard Lugar, R-Ind.
“I think the House managers have made a very reasonable, rational proposal,” Mr. DeWine said of the plan to call a small number of witnesses, perhaps as few as three.
The Senate, Mr. DeWine said, must have a chance to hear witnesses, just as jurors do in any important trial.
“To deny that to the United States Senate, in the most important trial of our lifetime, makes absolutely no sense,” Mr. DeWine said.
In a statement issued through a spokesman, Mr. Lugar said: “I will support motions by the prosecution and the defense to produce witness who would contribute to the full record.”
Mr. Lugar said he would oppose any effort to end the trial prematurely.
Deliberation debate
On whether to hold deliberations in public, all Cincinnati-
area senators except Mr. Bayh oppose the idea, saying a jury in a normal trial would not deliberate in public.
Others cited the precedent of previous Senate impeachment trials, in which deliberations were done behind closed doors.
Still others said the Senate would operate in a more efficient and less partisan manner away from the glare of television cameras.
Andy Fisher, an aide to Mr. Lugar, said there is “a sense that the partisan posturing that most likely (would) happen before the camera” would not be helpful.
But Mr. Bayh supported open deliberations, aide Charles Salem said, because of the important issues involved.
“He thought (the public) deserved an opportunity to view them through an open debate,” the Bayh aide said.
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