Collins "stiff-arming any immediate action” and “aligns… with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), who has all but promised a swift acquittal of Trump”
On Monday, Senator Collins attempted to shift her stance on the impeachment trial that continues to complicate her already tough re-election — but a close look at her comments confirms she still won’t commit to standards that would secure a fair trial, including witnesses and key documents.
This is a “classic” example of how Mainers have to read the fine print with Senator Collins: the truth is Collins' statements “aligns her with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), who has all but promised a swift acquittal of Trump” and she is “very much stiff-arming any immediate action that would have to be taken.”
If Senator Collins is actually committed to a fair trial, Maine Democrats call on her to commit to and to use her power in the Senate to secure the following:
-
GUARANTEE WITNESSES: Maine Democrats call on Senator Collins to demand that Mitch McConnell set up an impeachment process that guarantees the inclusion of witnesses, and commit that she will not support votes to proceed with the rules of impeachment without their inclusion.
-
GUARANTEE INCLUSION OF IMPORTANT EVIDENCE: Maine Democrats call on Senator Collins to demand that Mitch McConnell set up an impeachment process that guarantees the inclusion of important evidence, and commit that she will not support votes to proceed with the rules of impeachment without the inclusion of evidence.
-
LIFT WHITE HOUSE GAG ORDER: Maine Democrats call on Senator Collins to demand that the White House lift the gag order it has put on key witnesses, to ensure the Senate has access to all important and relevant information.
-
NO ACQUITTAL WITHOUT FAIR PROCESS: Maine Democrats call on Senator Collins to commit that she will refuse to acquit the President if a fair process -- including witnesses and evidence -- does not take place.
“Senator Collins often touts her position of power within the Republican caucus and clearly has a close relationship with Mitch McConnell, and if a fair and impartial impeachment trial is really her priority, it’s time for her to act to ensure that is what takes place,” said Maine Democratic Party Executive Director Lisa Roberts.
###