By LISA MASCARO and MARY CLARE JALONICK Associated Press, and staff
COLUMBUS – As expected, Ohio’s U.S. senators split their votes along party lines Wednesday afternoon when the Senate acquitted President Donald Trump on two articles of impeachment.
Democrat Sherrod Brown voted along with the rest of the minority in casting guilty votes on both articles of impeachment, abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.
My statement on this afternoon's vote – we have no choice but to convict this president: pic.twitter.com/kkDAjCLxSe
— Sherrod Brown (@SenSherrodBrown) February 5, 2020
Sen. Rob Portman voted along with almost every other Republican to acquit Trump.
This #impeachment process has further divided an already deeply polarized country. We need to mend our wounds and move forward together.
Let’s come together and get back to work on the issues American families care most about — #jobs, health care & more. pic.twitter.com/bhT5ieWBRb
— Rob Portman (@robportmanOH) February 5, 2020
There was nowhere near the two-thirds vote necessary in the Republican-held Senate to remove the president from office so he was found not guilty of both articles of impeachment.
The votes followed party lines with one exception: Utah Republican Mitt Romney who voted guilty on the abuse of power charge though he voted not guilty on the second article.
The vote ended only the third presidential trial — and the third acquittal — in American history with votes that split the country and tested civic norms.
The proceedings also are feeding the tumultuous 2020 run for the White House.
A majority of senators expressed unease with Trump’s pressure campaign on Ukraine that resulted in the two articles of impeachment.
Trump is eager to use the tally as vindication, a political anthem in his reelection bid.