James Comey Firing: Virginia Congresswoman Breaks With Republicans

MCLEAN, VA — Rep. Barbara Comstock, a Republican from McLean, has broken with most of her Republican colleagues to criticize President Trump's firing of FBI Director James Comey. The FBI director had been a leading official in the investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 election.

“Both Democrats and Republicans attacked the FBI Director at various times for various reasons and called for his ouster, " Comstock said in a statement. "However, I can’t defend or explain tonight’s actions or timing of the firing of FBI Director James Comey. The FBI investigation into the Russian impact on the 2016 election must continue. There must be an independent investigation that the American people can trust.”

The president's decision to fire Comey has led to renewed bipartisan calls for a special prosecutor and questions about the future of the probe into Russian involvement in the 2016 election.

Another Republican representative from Virginia opted to back the president. "The FBI is the premier law enforcement agency in the world and it is critical to have a director who holds the trust of the American people," said Rep. Bob Goodlatte, from Roanoke, chair of the House Committee on the Judiciary. "It is clearly the President's prerogative to remove the FBI Director, as was recommended by the top two officials at the Department of Justice."

Virginia's other Republican representatives, David Brat, Rob Wittman, Scott Taylor and Morgan Griffith, had not released statements at the time of publication.

Comstock's call for an independent investigation mirrors the reaction of her Democratic colleagues in Northern Virginia.

Comstock represents the 10th Congressional district, a liberal-leaning area with wealthy and highly educated voters. She won reelection in 2016, but House Republicans have already identified hers as one of the vulnerable districts in 2018 elections.

The district has been represented by Republicans since 1981. It includes Clarke, Frederick and Loudoun Counties, the cities of Manassas, Manassas Park and Winchester, as well as parts of Fairfax and Prince William counties.

Image via Office of Barbara Comstock