Important to protect Mueller investigation

A Dec. 17 letter to the editor states the investigation being conducted by Special Counsel Robert Mueller "is an investigation in search of a crime." The author does not have an understanding of what the investigation is for and what is has achieved. The investigation has resulted in dozens of indictments for federal crimes, and at least eight guilty pleas or convictions. These include the president's personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn and campaign manager Paul Manafort, among others. While the investigation had cost approximately $25 million, it has gained approximately $48 million in recovered assets and fines. With several Trump campaign staffers already convicted, Mueller's investigation into Russian election meddling is entering a critical phase. It is important that the investigation should be completed without political interference. A group that I am a part of, Stand Up Republic, has reached out to lawmakers to enact legislative protections for the special counsel. Stand Up Republic was founded to grow a community of Americans to defend democratic ideals, norms and institutions. These are fundamentally American, nonpartisan issues. The Mueller investigation is a testament to the bedrock idea that no one is above the law.

Steven Anderson

Vice Chairman

Stand Up Republic- Illinois