Final answer:
The conspirators wanted Cicero to join them because of his reputation and influence, which could lend credibility to their cause and help counterbalance the power of the First Triumvirate.
Step-by-step explanation:
The conspirators wanted Cicero to join them because of his influence, reputation for wisdom, and his skills in oratory and statesmanship. In the turbulent times of the Roman Republic, Cicero was seen as a stabilizing figure who could lend credibility to their cause.
They believed that with Cicero's support, their plans would be more likely to gain the acceptance of the broader public and the Senate, which were essential components in the power structure of ancient Rome.
The conspirators sought to recruit Cicero not only for his intellectual and persuasive abilities but also because they wanted to disrupt the alliance between Julius Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus—known as the First Triumvirate.
Cicero's positioning within the Roman political sphere could potentially help counterbalance the consolidated power of the triumvirate and therefore disrupt their plans. Having someone of Cicero's stature and political clout was seen as a significant advantage.