Utah GOP says it's OK with Romney impeachment vote, as voters circulate petition calling for censure

Utah Republican voters have launched a petition to censure GOP Sen. Mitt Romney for voting Saturday to convict former President Trump in his Senate impeachment trial for inciting the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol riot.

The petition states the first-term senator "misrepresented himself as a Republican" and failed to "represent the average conservative Utah Republican voter."

The online petition, first reported by The Salt lake Tribune, was created by voters, not Utah Republican officials.

Meanwhile, Utah Republican officials have issued a statement acknowledging Romney's vote and the one by fellow GOP Sen. Mike Lee, who voted to acquit Trump. 

"Our senators have both been criticized for their vote," they said. "The difference between our own Utah Republicans showcase a diversity of thought."

The officials also said "disagreement is natural and healthy in a party that is based on principles — not persona."

The voter-backed petition urges Utah Republican leadership to censure Romney, an outspoken Trump critic.