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Inquiry Into Russia Probe Could Carry Political Consequences

Associated Press

   WASHINGTON - Attorney General William Barr says he doesn't expect a
   criminal inquiry into the origins of the Russia investigation to target
   former President Barack Obama or Joe Biden, the former vice president
   and President Donald Trump's Democratic opponent this summer.

   But that doesn't mean the investigation, led by U.S. Attorney John
   Durham of Connecticut, doesn't carry its own political consequences.
   The inquiry could conclude this summer, meaning fresh revelations might
   be exploited by Trump in the heat of the election season to try to
   damage Biden or to attack the Obama administration.

   Buoyed by the Justice Department's decision to dismiss the case against
   former national security adviser Michael Flynn and by the ongoing
   declassification of Russia-related material, Trump and his allies have
   looked to Durham's investigation as the last opportunity to hold
   accountable officials they say wronged the president.

   Former Obama administration officials, meanwhile, find themselves
   scrutinized for actions they took four years ago while investigating
   Russian election interference.

   A look at where things stand:

   What exactly is the investigation about?

   Durham is a veteran federal prosecutor with decades of Justice
   Department experience. He's investigated FBI corruption related to the
   handling of Boston mobster Whitey Bulger and later the CIA's harsh
   overseas interrogations of terror suspects.

   Barr selected him last year to investigate the origins of the Russia
   investigation.

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