Washington (CNN) With the second impeachment trial of Donald Trump set to begin in February , nine prominent Republican lawyers, including two former officials in the Trump administration, have signed a letter urging GOP senators to "consider the evidence" before deciding how to vote on conviction. The letter is the latest example of how influential Republicans are lobbying senators ahead of the impeachment trial. The effort includes multiple former Trump administration officials, donors, former members of Congress, and current and former Capitol Hill aides -- all encouraging Republican senators to vote to convict Trump. For Trump to be convicted, 17 Republican senators would have to join all 50 Democrats. "I think a lot of people would like a reason not to convict," said a former Republican Senate staffer.

Source: CNN January 25, 2021 15:33 UTC