Illinois Democrats Condemn Comey Firing
(CBS) – President Trump's firing of FBI Director James Comey Tuesday was met with stunned reaction from several Illinois Democrats.
Chief among them U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin says he's troubled that Comey's dismissal could mean the FBI won't pursue an investigation into possible collusion between the Trump presidential campaign and Russia.
"Any attempt to stop or undermine this FBI investigation would raise grave constitutional issues. Under these circumstances, I renew my call for an independent counsel and a special commission to fully investigate the Russian interference," Durbin said in a prepared statement.
U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Schaumburg, expressed similar concerns.
"President Trump's firing of FBI Director Comey is a nearly unprecedented action by an American president. It is extremely disturbing that the Chief Executive is interfering with an ongoing investigation into his Administration by firing the person charged with conducting it. One cannot help but be reminded of President Nixon's Saturday Night Massacre. This action only raises further questions regarding the Administration's ties to Russia," he said in a statement.
Republican Congressman Peter Roskam of Wheaton says Comey was a figure who drew criticism from both sides of the aisle.
"The idea of him being replaced is news to me. Am I surprised by it? Not necessarily," he tells CBS 2 Political Reporter Derrick Blakley.
He says whoever replaces Comey at the FBI must enjoy the support and confidence of the American public.
