Away from it all: President Clinton relaxes during a New Year break in South Carolina

In discussions with with his Democratic counterpart Tom Daschle, Mr Lott has proposed that Supreme Court Chief Justice William Rehnquist should swear senators in as jurors the day after the Senate reconvenes (6 January).

Mr Lott has proposed the trial begin on 11 January. Neither Mr Daschle nor the White House has agreed to the proposed timetable, according to Democratic sources.

The proposal is in line with comments from several Republican and Democratic senators who seem eager to convene and conclude a trial quickly. The trial could end as early as Jan 22.

Republicans at odds

Senator Lott wants a quick start to the trial

To speed a trial, Mr Lott and Mr Daschle have said that testimony from witnesses in the case is not necessary. However, Mr Lott is at odds with members of his own party over this.

A team of 13 Republican members of the House of Representatives will argue the case that the president lied to a grand jury and obstructed justice. They held their first strategy session Tuesday, and they want to call witnesses.

"There was no show of hands. But I am anticipating, based on everything we've discussed in there today, that there would be witnesses, we would present witnesses. I don't think there's any question about that,'' Representative Bill McCollum told reporters following the meeting.

The group did not decide whom it might call, but possible witnesses include Monica Lewinsky, presidential secretary Betty Currie and presidential friend Vernon Jordan.

But the Representatives prosecuting the case will have to abide by the Senate's decision on whether to allow witnesses.

Censure options explored

Sen Hatch says censure is a 'powerful tool'

Although senators from both parties are also talking about the censure option, Mr Lott said he would "prefer that there would be a vote on the articles of impeachment" before considering censure. Even so he has asked fellow senators to begin work on censure motions as there are "a lot of different scenarios".

Orrin Hatch, the Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman, said censure would be a "powerful tool" against Mr Clinton.