A second source familiar with the call told CNN that McConnell made it clear to his members on Thursday that he is giving them space to vote on their conscience about such objections.
The teleconference discussion comes after McConnell discouraged members from objecting. But now that Hawley has made it clear that he is going ahead, members will have to decide for themselves whether or not they agree with the certification of a state’s voters. There are 19 Republican senators facing reelection in 2022. Republicans must defend 21 seats.
When Hawley did not speak on the call, Pennsylvania Sen. Pat Toomey, a retired Republican, explained at the conference why he believed the state was not a good test case for allegations of electoral fraud, according to the second source familiar with the call.
That source added that Wisconsin Republican Senator Ron Johnson also spoke in the call about the importance of investigating any electoral fraud, but as he said publicly, he does not intend to oppose the electoral college’s certification process.
This story is emerging and will be updated.