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Donald Trump won many of the states where Democratic senators are up for re-election in 2018, but that isn’t scaring most of those Democrats off from speaking out strongly, whether against Trumpcare or, now, by responding to Trump’s firing of James Comey by calling for a special prosecutor or other independent investigator into Trump’s Russia ties.
Jon Tester said that “No one is above being held accountable, not even the President of the United States [...] I am deeply concerned that this decision will result in an abandonment of the FBI’s ongoing efforts and it underscores the urgent need for an independent investigation.” Trump won Montana 56 percent to 36 percent.
Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) said that “it’s critical that the American people know the FBI’s investigation into Russian interference in our election is, and always will be, impartial. It’s time a special prosecutor is appointed to guarantee that happens.” Heitkamp also described Jeff Sessions’ role in Comey’s firing as “deeply troubling and unprecedented” given his claim to have recused himself from Russia-related decisions. North Dakota went for Trump 63 percent to 27 percent.
Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) called Trump’s decision to fire Comey “an attack on the rule of law” and said that “Firing the FBI Director does not place the White House, the President, or his campaign above the law.” She too called for “a special prosecutor to lead a comprehensive and independent investigation.” Trump narrowly carried Wisconsin.
Bob Casey was not shy, despite Trump’s narrow Pennsylvania win:
Joe Donnelly (D-IN) said “it’s clearly time to appoint a special prosecutor.” In 2018 he’ll be facing voters in a state that went for Trump by 57 percent to 38 percent.
Trump won Ohio by 52 percent to 44 percent, but Sherrod Brown (D-OH) is calling for an independent investigation.
Claire McCaskill (D-MO) also called for an independent investigation, saying “for the attorney general, who has recused himself from an investigation, to recommend the firing of the head of that investigation is, (to) the prosecutor in me, it is really a giant red flag and very very troubling.” Trump got 57 percent of the vote in Missouri.