Blumenthal backs select committee, even if there’s a special prosecutor
WASHINGTON – Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) said he supports the creation of a special congressional committee to investigate Russian election meddling regardless of whether or not the Department of Justice agrees to appoint a special prosecutor to probe the matter.
“I’ll support it even if there is a special prosecutor,” Blumenthal told TMN in response to calls for a special committee made by Democrats and Republican Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.).
“I think that a special committee is a way to uncover the truth and make it public with findings and recommendations which a prosecutor can’t do,” Blumenthal explained.
Blumenthal, who serves on the Judiciary Committee, came under particular scorn from President Donald Trump on Wednesday.
After Blumenthal criticized Trump’s decision to fire FBI Director James Comey, Trump pointed to a 2010-era election scandal wherein the Connecticut senator was accused of misstating his military service.
Watching Senator Richard Blumenthal speak of Comey is a joke. “Richie” devised one of the greatest military frauds in U.S. history. For….
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 10, 2017
years, as a pol in Connecticut, Blumenthal would talk of his great bravery and conquests in Vietnam – except he was never there. When….
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 10, 2017
caught, he cried like a baby and begged for forgiveness…and now he is judge & jury. He should be the one who is investigated for his acts.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 10, 2017
McCain in statement Tuesday evening said Trump’s decision to fire Comey “only confirms the need and the urgency of such a committee.”
McCain has made that request on previous occasions.
The House and Senate Intelligence committees are investigating Russian election interference as well as allegations that members of the Trump campaign colluded with high-ranking Russian officials – but a special committee has yet to be established.
Comey confirmed in his testimony before the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence in March that the FBI was investigating potential collusion between members of the Trump campaign and Russian officials.
Democrats have requested the appointment of a special prosecutor to probe allegations of collusion following Comey’s termination.
This article is republished with permission from Talk Media News.
Bryan is an award-winning political journalist who has extensive experience covering Congress and Maryland state government.
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