Mississippi Sens. Roger Wicker, Cindy Hyde Smith and others stated this week that they were skeptical of the evidence supporting the charges that led Trump’s historic impeachment. However, they indicated they would listen to the Senate trial. Wicker stated this week that he takes seriously the responsibility to consider articles of impeachment. “I will listen and I will also be transparent. Hyde-Smith stated that nothing I’ve seen or heard during the House proceedings comes close to an impeachable crime or warrants the removal of a duly elected president from office. Although I was present at the House Democrats’ partisan hearings I have not heard or seen anything about the impeachable charges levelled against President Trump. If there is a trial in Senate, I will perform my duties as a United States Senator.” Trump became the third American president to be impeached. On Wednesday evening, the House voted mostly on party lines for both articles of impeachment. Most Democrats, including Mississippi Rep. Bennie Thompson voted to impeach Trump. The majority of Republicans, including the Mississippi Reps. Trent Kelly and Michael Guest, voted against. “Partisans are protecting President. Thompson tweeted Wednesday that Patriots are Protecting the Constitution. Representatives voted 230 to197-1 for the abuse of power, with one representative voting “present” and 229 to198-1 for obstruction of Congress. Guest stated on Wednesday that he was a former prosecutor and is confident that no court will accept the impeachment articles as meeting the standards set by our founding fathers. “The impeachment articles are almost entirely based on hearsay, opinion testimony, and they provide almost no evidence of wrongdoing.” All eyes now turn to the Senate as Trump faces trial and votes on whether or not to be convicted. As in the House, the votes will be driven by partisan politics. The Senate is dominated by Republicans with 53 members and Democrats with 45. Two senators are independent, but they tend to vote for Democrats. Two-thirds of the Senate (or 67 senators) must agree to remove Trump from office. Each senator will swear before the Senate impeachment trial starts. This oath reads: “I solemnly vow… that in everything appertaining to this trial of Donald J. Trump’s impeachment, now pending,” Republican Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is still in talks with Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer. His statement has been met with consternation by constitutional scholars and Democrats who believe that the legislative branch should be independent from the executive branch. Others senior Republican senators expressed hope that they would quickly exonerate the president. “I’m trying to send a clear signal that I have made my decision,” stated Sen. Lindsey Graham (a South Carolina Republican). “I’m trying to give a pretty clear signal that I have made my mind up… I will do all I can to make it end quickly.” Wicker, the South Carolina Republican, voted to impeach Clinton for the four charges against him. Hyde-Smith was just a few months away from her first campaign for public office. She won a seat in the state senate in November 1999. Wicker stated that the Senate will handle Trump’s case and would make fair decisions. This statement was made on Wednesday night, shortly after Trump’s impeachment vote. “I expect he will be acquitted, and justice will be served. However, the House has done significant damage.”