He understands the wrongful nature of his behavior. But it is up to the Senate to make decisions on censure whether they want to do it, how they want to do it, what the censure would be. Other Clinton supporters were not waiting for the final votes to begin fomenting an anti-impeachment backlash. While Lott hoped to wrap up deliberations today for a 5 p.m. vote, there were conflicting predictions about whether that would happen or whether final decisions would be put off until tomorrow. Specter later called a news conference to announce that he would not vote to convict Clinton but did not want to be recorded as voting for acquittal.
Obstruction of justice fails by gaps in the proofs.
Other senators from both parties announced votes that remained within party lines. A parade of Democrats affirmed that they plan to reject both articles, including Sens. Some Democrats focused their statements on independent counsel Kenneth W. Starr's conduct rather than Clinton's. Staff writers Guy Gugliotta, Dan Morgan, Eric Pianin and Ed Walsh contributed to this report.