Citing Bolton revelations, Sen. Casey reiterates call for witnesses in impeachment trial

Pennsylvania senior U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, D-Scranton, reiterated a call for the inclusion of “relevant” witnesses and documents Thursday morning as he prepared to attend the second day of questioning at the impeachment trial of President Trump.

Casey’s comments during a press call Thursday morning came as Republicans continued to count votes to block any new witnesses in the wake of reports of former national security advisor John Bolton’s assertions about Trump’s actions in a draft copy of his book.

“I don’t know how you make the case for no new witnesses in light of the Bolton documents,” Casey said.

News organizations have reported Bolton wrote Trump conditioned the release of military aid to Ukraine on its leaders publicly committing to investigating Trump’s chief political rival, former Vice President Joe Biden.

Bolton has indicated he would respond to a subpoena from the Senate. Casey said Bolton, along with acting presidential Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, are among those he deems relevant witnesses. Asked if Biden’s son, Hunter Biden, who was on the board of a Ukrainian gas company, fit into that category, Casey said “No.”

The senator, who occasionally crosses party lines, said he has not attempted to persuade his Republican colleagues of his position.

Pennsylvania Sen. Pat Toomey(R-Lehigh Valley), said late Wednesday that it is “very, very unlikely,” that he will now vote to approve any witnesses. Toomey, who also occasionally crosses party lines, previously floated a proposition that Republicans might agree to Bolton’s testimony in exchange for Hunter Biden’s inclusion as a witness.

While Republican leaders worked to shore up their majority to block witnesses, Casey continued to hold out hope enough Republicans will cross party lines to allow additional witnesses. It would take four Republicans voting with Democrats to make that a reality.

The Senate is expected to vote whether to call additional witnesses on Friday.

“I hope Republicans would make this determination about relevant witnesses and relevant documents based upon their oath and not based upon the president’s determinations,” Casey said.