Collins Very Concerned About Trump/Stone Meddling

USA Today reports:

Several Republican lawmakers expressed concern Wednesday over President Donald Trump’s comments on the prison sentencing of longtime ally Roger Stone, an issue that prompted swift calls for investigations by Democrats and criticism that the president was interfering in a criminal investigation.

“I don’t think he should be commenting on cases in the system,” said Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. “I don’t think that’s appropriate.” A handful of others agreed. “The president should not have gotten involved,” said Sen. Susan Collins, a Maine Republican.

Asked about whether she believed Trump learned any lesson from his impeachment, Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, said, “Well, there haven’t been very strong indicators this week that he has.”

The Washington Post reports:

Susan Collins (R-Maine), said last week that she believed Trump had learned “a pretty big lesson” by being impeached. But this week she said she had been so “concerned” about Trump’s desire to punish two impeachment witnesses, U.S. Ambassador to the European Union Gordon Sondland and Vindman, that she contacted the White House.

“My general position is that anyone who answers a congressional subpoena and comes forward and testifies should not face retaliation,” Collins said. Asked what senators could do to rein in Trump, she replied, “I called to try to prevent the action.”

Collins tells reporters: “My vote to acquit the president was not based on predicting his future behavior,” saying her view has been misrepresented. She’s been asked about Trump learning lesson since she said she believed he did and that would deter him from taking similar action

— Manu Raju (@mkraju) February 12, 2020