Oak Table

WASHINGTON — Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee called on Tuesday for the appointment of a special counsel to lead the criminal investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election, saying the appointment was necessary to shield the inquiry from the appearance of political interference by the Trump administration.

“This is about more than just one individual,” said Senator Dianne Feinstein of California, the panel’s ranking Democrat. “This is about the integrity of the process and the public’s faith in our institution of justice.”