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McCain sees Russia hacking as threat, at odds with Trump

FILE- This June 3, 2016, file photo shows Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., delivering his speech titled "America's Enduring Commitment to Security and Prosperity in Asia" at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) Distinguished Public Lecture in Singapore. McCain is joining Democrats in calling for a special select committee to investigate Russian interference in the U.S. election. Speaking Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016, on CNN’s “State of the Union,” McCain said a select committee is needed “to find out exactly what was done and what the implications of the attacks were, especially if they had an effect on our election.” Trump calls reports of Russian hacking “ridiculous.” (AP Photo/Wong Maye-E, File) FILE- This June 3, 2016, file photo shows Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., delivering his speech titled "America's Enduring Commitment to Security and Prosperity in Asia" at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) Distinguished Public Lecture in Singapore. McCain is joining Democrats in calling for a special select committee to investigate Russian interference in the U.S. election. Speaking Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016, on CNN’s “State of the Union,” McCain said a select committee is needed “to find out exactly what was done and what the implications of the attacks were, especially if they had an effect on our election.” Trump calls reports of Russian hacking “ridiculous.” (AP Photo/Wong Maye-E, File)

By Associated Press December 19, 2016 1 min read

WASHINGTON (AP) – Republican Sen. John McCain is joining Democrats in calling for a special select committee to investigate Russian interference in the U.S. election.

This puts the national security hawk and chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee at odds not only with President-elect Donald Trump but with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who favors allowing the Intelligence committee to take the lead on the inquiry.

Speaking Sunday on CNN’s “State of the Union,” McCain said a select committee is needed “to find out exactly what was done and what the implications of the attacks were, especially if they had an effect on our election.”

Trump calls reports of Russian hacking “ridiculous.”

The fractures within the Republican Party will test longstanding GOP orthodoxy that saw Russia as a threat.