Collins’ “willful blindness” is at odds with the standard she set 20 years ago

 

If Senator Collins is actually committed to getting “to the truth”, she must use her power in the Senate to secure a fair trial

 

Yesterday, Senator Susan Collins threw cold water on including new evidence from Rudy Giuliani associate Lev Parnas in the upcoming impeachment trial.

 

This newly released evidence, which includes voicemails, photos, and text messages between Parnas and prominent figures in President Trump’s orbit, could prove vital for getting to the truth. But Senator Collins is ignoring important context and taking an absurd position to cast doubt on its inclusion.

 

As Maine Democrats called on her to do at the beginning of the year, if Senator Collins is actually committed to a fair trial, she should use her power in the Senate to secure the following:

 

  1. 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.
     

  2. 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.

 

  1. 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.
     

  2. 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.

 

“If Senator Collins is as committed to a fair trial today as she was 20 years ago, she must take action to ensure the inclusion of this new evidence as well as the testimony of former National Security Advisor John Bolton,” said Maine Democratic Party Chair Kathleen Marra. “Any continued attempt to muddy the waters and call critical evidence into question would be a further betrayal of her pledge to serve as an impartial juror in this process.”

 

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