Collins, King call for Sessions to recuse himself from probe

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) - Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins and independent Sen. Angus King of Maine on Thursday called on Attorney General Jeff Sessions to clarify his communications with the Russian ambassador and to recuse himself from an investigation into whether Russia meddled in the U.S. presidential election.

Republican U.S. Rep. Bruce Poliquin also called on Sessions to recuse himself, while Democratic U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree called on Sessions to resign.

The attorney general, appointed by Republican President Donald Trump, acknowledged talking with Russia’s ambassador to the U.S. twice during the presidential campaign. Those conversations seem to contradict sworn statements Sessions gave to Congress during his confirmation hearings.

“These are serious and troubling accusations, and they are ones that Attorney General Sessions must address immediately and fully - both to Congress and to the American people,” said King.

Sessions held a news conference a couple of hours later and agreed to recuse himself after his staff recommended he do so. He also said he’d send a letter explaining himself to the Senate Judiciary Committee. He said he never intended to mislead anyone.

Collins voted in favor of Sessions, who’s a friend of hers. She previously described the Alabama conservative as “a person of integrity, a principled leader and a dedicated public servant.”

“Attorney General Sessions should recuse himself to ensure public confidence in the Justice Department’s investigation. He should also clarify his statements to the Judiciary Committee with respect to his communications with the Russian ambassador,” she said.

Poliquin said citizens “must have confidence in the integrity and impartiality of our Justice Department and their investigations.”

“If Attorney General Sessions is the subject of an investigation, I believe it would be appropriate for him to recuse himself,” Poliquin said.

The harshest criticism came from Pingree.

“His clear disregard for the truth demonstrates that he is unfit to lead the nation’s judiciary. As the nation’s top attorney, Jeff Sessions should be held to the highest standards and know that lying under oath constitutes perjury,” she said.