Special Counsel Gets Praise From Both Sides Of The Aisle

WASHINGTON Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle widely embraced former FBI Director Robert Mueller as an excellent choice to serve as special counsel to oversee the investigation into possible ties between the Trump campaign and Russia.

Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein appointed Mueller to lead the probe late Wednesday, saying the the public interest requires me to place this investigation under the authority of a person who exercises a degree of independence from the normal chain of command.

Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) said Mueller has sterling credentials and is above reproach .

Even House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) who just last week dismissed the need for an independent investigation, telling Fox News I dont think thats a good idea suddenly had a change of tone. Responding to Wednesdays news, Ryan said his priority has been to ensure thorough and independent investigations are allowed to follow the facts wherever they may lead.

Muellers appointment, Ryan added, is consistent with that goal, and I welcome his role at the Department of Justice.

My statement on the appointment of Robert Mueller as special counsel at the Department of Justice https://t.co/OOOiRBw0ti pic.twitter.com/uy1Rk7zc9o

Paul Ryan (@SpeakerRyan) May 17, 2017","type":"rich","meta":{"author":"Paul Ryan","author_url":"https://twitter.com/SpeakerRyan","cache_age":86400,"description":"My statement on the appointment of Robert Mueller as special counsel at the Department of Justice https://t.co/OOOiRBw0ti pic.twitter.com/uy1Rk7zc9o— Paul Ryan (@SpeakerRyan) May 17, 2017\n","provider_name":"Twitter","thumbnail_height":392,"thumbnail_url":"https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DAEQlVVXoAUqQl0.jpg:large","thumbnail_width":1082,"title":"Paul Ryan on 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My statement on the appointment of Robert Mueller as special counsel at the Department of Justice https://t.co/OOOiRBw0ti pic.twitter.com/uy1Rk7zc9o
Paul Ryan (@SpeakerRyan) May 17, 2017

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), who has also argued an independent probe is unwarranted , said Rosensteins decision confirms that the investigation into Russian intervention into our election will continue.

My statement on DAG Rosenstein's decisions to appoint a special counsel pic.twitter.com/s7i5LjPcg1

Leader McConnell (@SenateMajLdr) May 17, 2017","type":"rich","meta":{"author":"Leader McConnell","author_url":"https://twitter.com/SenateMajLdr","cache_age":86400,"description":"My statement on DAG Rosenstein's decisions to appoint a special counsel pic.twitter.com/s7i5LjPcg1— Leader McConnell (@SenateMajLdr) May 17, 2017\n","provider_name":"Twitter","thumbnail_height":91,"thumbnail_url":"https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DAEMwxXXsAE2RO3.jpg:large","thumbnail_width":615,"title":"Leader McConnell on 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My statement on DAG Rosenstein's decisions to appoint a special counsel pic.twitter.com/s7i5LjPcg1
Leader McConnell (@SenateMajLdr) May 17, 2017

As special counsel, Mueller will look into any links and/or coordination between the Russian government and individuals associated with the campaign of President Donald Trump , along with any matters that arose or may arise directly from the investigation, Rosenstein wrote Wednesday.

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said she was pleased to see the Justice Department answer Democrats demands, and called Mueller a respected public servant of the highest integrity. However, she stressed that the Trump administration must give Mueller the appropriate resources and independence.

A special prosecutor is the first step, but it cannot be the last, Pelosi said in a statement. Director Mueller will still be in the chain of command under the Trump-appointed leadership of the Justice Department. He cannot take the place of a truly independent, outside commission that is completely free from the Trump Administrations meddling. A special prosecutor does not negate the need for vigorous Congressional investigations either.