WASHINGTON — Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ decision to step aside from the Justice Department investigation into whether Russia interfered in last year’s election has drawn mixed reactions from Ohio lawmakers.
Republican Sen. Rob Portman earlier urged Sessions to recuse himself from the probe and issued this statement minutes after Sessions announced his decision:
“I think Jeff Sessions did the right thing. His decision to recuse himself will enhance the credibility of the investigation into Russia’s attempts to meddle in the election.” – Senator Rob Portman
Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown had said recusal wasn’t enough:
“It is deeply alarming that Attorney General Sessions would lie under oath especially concerning his dealings with the Russian Ambassador, as both Republicans and Democrats have called for investigations into the Trump Administration’s ties to Moscow. It is no longer enough that the Attorney General recuse himself in these investigations. He must resign his post immediately. Ohioans deserve a top law enforcement official they can trust, who doesn’t lie to the American people under oath.” –Sen. Sherrod Brown
Sessions’ decision came amid growing pressure from Democrats and Republicans after revelations he twice spoke with the Russian ambassador to the United States and didn’t say so when pressed by Congress.
Representative Joyce Beatty (D-Columbus) joined the chorus of Democrats demsaning Sessions’ resignation.
“Attorney General Jeff Sessions lied under oath during his Senate confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee. We now know that Sessions in fact did meet with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak on at least two separate occasions—one of which is reported to have taken place in Sessions’ Senate Office. How can Americans trust AG Sessions to lead an impartial investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 Presidential Election and possible Trump campaign-Russian collusion? That is why it is imperative Sessions resign or be fired immediately.” –U.S. Rep Joyce Beatty
Democrats Tim Ryan and Marcy Kaptur also are among Ohio Democrats calling for Sessions’ resignation.