The Senate Intelligence Committee has issued a finding that Russia did try to influence the 2016 elections in support of Donald Trump. Both Maine senators, who serve on that committee, expect the threat of interference to continue in future elections.
Both Republican Susan Collins and independent Angus King say that they think the Russians will again attempt to influence elections this year.
Collins says she expects to see more false stories and websites aimed at increasing political tensions.
“I believe that the principal purpose was to sow the seeds of discord in our country and undermine democratic institutions,” she says.
King says the investigation into the possible connection between the Trump campaign and Russia has taken focus away from the bigger issue.
“To me that has obscured the real story which is what the Russians did, and that they are likely to do it again and that we have to understand that and defend ourselves against it,” he says.
King says the committee is continuing to look at ways to combat the problem, and says the United States should consider some form of sanctions to try to deter Russian interference.
“We have to have some kind of strategy and doctrine that tells our adversaries if you do this to us, you will pay the consequences.”
