Jeff Sessions Sees No Need to Recuse Himself As Atty General From Any Trump Probes

Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala. pauses as he speaks to media at Trump Tower in New York, Thursday, Nov. 17, 2016. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Perhaps because of the threat of multiple ethical violations within a Trump administration, there are those who feel Jeff Sessions, one of Trump’s longest and most ardent surrogates during the election, cannot do his duty as Attorney General, should an issue arise.

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Sessions does not share their concerns.

 Sessions said in written responses to members of the Senate Judiciary Committee he is “not aware of a basis to recuse myself” from investigations into incidents involving the president, such as Russian meddling in the presidential race or issues relating to conflicts of interest.

During his confirmation hearing, Sessions said he would recuse himself from any possible investigations related to Hillary Clinton if he was confirmed as attorney general.

That much is fair. Sessions made some harsh statements, in regards to Clinton during the campaign. If some new investigation surrounding Clinton were to come up – and we have no reason to believe it will – then the entire case could be marred with protests by those who insisted that Sessions could not be an impartial party to the proceedings.

As for stepping aside for any Trump investigations, however, Sessions makes a good point.

“If merely being a supporter of the President’s during the campaign warranted recusal from involvement in any matter involving him, then most typical presidential appointees would be unable to conduct their duties,” Sessions told Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) in written responses to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

The remarks come from Sessions’ “questions for the record,” which is part of the confirmation process.

Sessions said if a “specific matter arose where I believed my impartiality might reasonably be questioned, I would consult with Department ethics officials regarding the most appropriate way to proceed.”

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Still reasonable, under the circumstances.

Sessions further said that he saw no need to recuse himself from voting on other cabinet nominees.

The committee vote on Sessions was scheduled for this morning, but some Democrats may look to delay the proceedings.

A spokesman for Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) told the Associated Press that she would request Sessions’ nomination be pushed to next week to “give the committee more time to conduct its due diligence.”

“Due diligence” is Democrat code for dragging their heels in a pouty snit.

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