GOP group defends Mueller ahead of testimony

A Republican group defended former special counsel Robert Mueller ahead of his congressional testimony in a new ad released Monday.

Republicans for the Rule of Law is airing the ad on Sinclair stations and Sean Hannity’s Fox News show Tuesday, a day ahead of Mueller’s scheduled testimony in front of the House Judiciary and Intelligence committees.

{mosads}The ad touts the former FBI chief’s credentials and career targeting corruption, and includes clips of Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Attorney General William Barr praising him.

The former special counsel’s investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election did not find sufficient evidence to bring charges against Trump or his campaign over allegations they conspired with Moscow.

Mueller declined to clear the president of obstruction of justice, outlining 10 “episodes” of possibly obstructive behavior, but saying existing Department of Justice guidelines against indicting a sitting president prevented him from bringing charges.

Mueller has said he will not discuss anything outside the purview of his report during the hearings, but Democrats believe getting Mueller to outline the findings in person will strengthen and affirm their arguments about Trump’s misconduct.

The president has gone on the offensive against Mueller ahead of the testimony.

In a pair of tweets Monday, Trump repeated his claim that Mueller is “highly conflicted” and accused him of leading a “ridiculous Witch Hunt.” 

He also repeated his belief that Mueller’s report found “NO COLLUSION, NO OBSTRUCTION!”