Special Prosecutor Needed to Investigate Russian Election Interference

Statement by Common Cause President Karen Hobert Flynn

There were troubling signs that some Republican committee members of the House Intelligence Committee had difficulty rising above partisanship to fairly and impartially investigate the direct attack on our democracy by the Russian government during the 2016 presidential race. The partisan protection of the Trump Administration today demonstrates the clear need for a special prosecutor or independent commission to fully investigate the extensive campaign by the Russian government to help elect Donald Trump as President of the United States.

Chairman Nunes and many of his fellow Republicans on the committee showed that they are more concerned with plugging White House leaks than unearthing anything potentially embarrassing to the Trump Administration. Until a special prosecutor or independent commission is called for, with the resources and ability to subpoena witnesses, the public will question whether a fair and complete investigation has occurred. It is time to put national security and our democracy above partisan politics.