Sen. Maggie Hassan said Monday she will vote against confirming William Barr as attorney general because of his views on presidential power and special counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia investigation.
“I have continued to be concerned with Mr. Barr’s very broad view of executive authority, especially given that we are still in the middle of the Mueller investigation,” the New Hampshire Democrat told CNN.
Ms. Hassan told the network that she concerned that President Trump’s pick for attorney general “wasn’t really committing to allowing Mr. Mueller to follow the facts where they lead.”
She said his comments, “make me believe he is conflicted and comprised here, so I won’t be supporting his nomination.”
Ms. Hassan joins other Democratic Senators who have said they will not vote to confirm Mr. Barr.
Sen. Kamala Harris, California Democrat, has already said she will vote no and Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Minnesota Democrat, said it is “very difficult to imagine” voting for Mr. Barr.
Despite Democratic opposition, Mr. Barr is widely expected to be voted out of the Senate Judiciary Committee and confirmed because of the Republican majority.
The committee is set to meet Tuesday to discuss Mr. Barr’s nomination, but will likely not vote on his nomination during the meeting.
• Jeff Mordock can be reached at jmordock@washingtontimes.com.
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