Maine’s four members of Congress responded to requests for comment on former President Donald Trump’s indictment by a New York grand jury for his alleged role in paying hush money during the 2016 campaign to a former porn star who said she had sexual encounter with him.

“An indictment by a grand jury is the very beginning of the criminal justice process and does not determine guilt or innocence. Under our system, the next steps place a heavy burden on the prosecution — to prove the charges (whatever they may be) beyond a reasonable doubt. The former president, like any other citizen, then has every right to present his defense on the law and the facts. While this case is unusual, the principle underlying it is not — in our country, no one is above the law.” — Sen. Angus King, independent

“I don’t know what to make of it.  This is an unprecedented situation.” — Sen. Susan Collins, Republican

“I believe it is important for the legal process to play out fairly and expeditiously, in New York or anywhere else. Like any other American, President Trump is entitled to due process of law. I strongly condemn statements by President Trump himself and other elected Republican officials attacking the rule of law and once again seeking to incite political violence. Their provocations demonstrate precisely why this indictment is so important.” — Rep. Chellie Pingree, D-1st District

“No one is above the law. Our legal system is built upon the principle of innocence until proven guilty and we should let the process play out without bias or political interference.” — Rep. Jared Golden, D-2nd District

 

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