In 1973, President Richard Nixon refused a House of Representatives subpoena issued during the Watergate hearings. Nixon's refusal was deemed an impeachable offense by the House Judiciary Committee. But Nixon resigned before the full House could impeach him. Plus, it's not a jury he even has hope of convincing. He's gotten his point across.
Scholars say the senators are on the spot.
If they subpoena Clinton and the president appeals, the impeachment trial could be held up for months. The senators appear leery of further delaying a trial which opinion polls indicate the public would like to see ended. Complicating matters is the issue of whether the Supreme Court is empowered to hear the appeal and whether Chief Justice William Rehnquist, who is presiding over the Senate trial, would have to disqualify himself. The impetus then is toward compromise . .