WASHINGTON – While Republicans on the House Intelligence Committee issued a final report Friday on a year-long probe into Russia’s involvement in the 2016 elections that generally clears the Trump campaign of any wrongdoing, Rep. Jim Himes and other Democrats on the panel say they will continue the investigation.
FBI
Posted inPolitics
Senate attempt to protect Mueller gets a boost
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump’s angry tweets this week about the growing Russia investigation and the federal raid of the president’s personal lawyer has jump-started an effort backed by Sen. Richard Blumenthal and a growing number of senators to try to prevent Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s firing.
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Blumenthal writes FBI over White House security clearances
WASHINGTON — Sen. Richard Blumenthal on Wednesday joined five other Democratic senators in asking the FBI to provide them with the name and status of all individuals who currently hold interim security clearances at the White House, and asking the agency whether any of them have access to classified information.
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Himes defends FBI use of controversial dossier
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Friday blocked the release of a rebuttal memo written by Democrats on the House Intelligence Committee concerning its investigation into Russian meddling in U.S. election. In a closed door meeting of the panel this week concerning that memo, Rep. Jim Himes defended the FBI against GOP attacks.
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Blumenthal, other Dems call for greater protections for Mueller
WASHINGTON — Paul Manafort’s indictment on Monday widened a partisan split, with Democrats, including Sen. Richard Blumenthal, calling for an increased pace of investigation and added protections for special counsel Robert Mueller and Republicans demanding equal effort be spent on a probe of ties between Democrats and the Russians.
Posted inJustice
Blumenthal calls Comey’s tale ‘chilling;’ Murphy says Trump should testify
WASHINGTON – This city was transfixed Thursday by former FBI Director James Comey’s testimony to Senate Intelligence Committee and Sen. Richard Blumenthal was among those had a front-row seat during the riveting three hours of questioning. He said Comey painted a “chilling picture” of his contacts with President Donald Trump.
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Blumenthal: Comey testimony shows Trump ‘disdain’ for rule of law
WASHINGTON — During Senate debate Wednesday on legislation that would tighten U.S. sanctions on Iran, Sen. Richard Blumenthal said former FBI Director James Comey’s accounts of meetings with Donald Trump may explain why the president is not pressing for tougher sanctions against Russia.
Posted inJustice, Politics
Lieberman takes himself out of the running for FBI chief
WASHINGTON — Former Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman has told the White House he no longer wishes to be considered as a replacement for ousted FBI Director James Comey, saying the wanted to avoid the “appearance of a conflict of interest.”
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McCain ‘disappointed’ by reports Lieberman no longer in running for FBI
WASHINGTON — Sen. John McCain of Arizona said Wednesday he is “disappointed” by reports former Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman is no longer under consideration to head the FBI. He said Democrats’ rejection of Lieberman, a former Democrat who was Al Gore’s vice presidential running mate, would make anyone “cynical” about Washington.
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Trump picks Lieberman associate Kasowitz as personal lawyer in Russia probe
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump’s decision to hire New York attorney Marc Kasowitz to serve as his private lawyers during federal and congressional Russia probes has hurt Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman’s chances of becoming the next FBI chief.
Posted inJustice
‘Joementum’ slows as Dems criticize Lieberman as possible FBI choice
WASHINGTON – Momentum slowed Friday on the expected nomination of former Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman to head the FBI as the White House decided to postpone an announcement of President Donald Trump’s pick for the job held by James Comey before his firing.
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Trump says Lieberman front-runner to head FBI
Updated at 7:30 p.m.
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Thursday said former Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman is his top pick to replace ousted FBI chief James Comey. There has been no official White House announcement of the nomination, but one is expected soon.
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Blumenthal blasts Trump for ‘witch hunt’ tweet
Blumenthal said Trump’s angry tweets were an attempt to intimidate a newly appointed prosecutor who will investigate whether the Trump campaign colluded with Russia’s attempt to influence the U.S. elections.
Posted inJustice, Politics
DOJ bows to Blumenthal, other Dems in tapping Mueller to head Russia probe
The campaign for a special prosecutor was led by Democrats, including Sen. Richard Blumenthal, who voted against the confirmation of Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein because the nominee would not commit to the appointment of a special prosecutor. But a steady stream of Republicans joined that campaign this week.
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Trump interviews Lieberman for job as FBI director
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump interviewed former Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman Wednesday as a candidate to replace fired FBI Director James Comey, a White House official said.
