By Thomas McKinless and Niels Lesniewski

Attorney general nominee William Barr (who previously served in the position under President George H.W. Bush) faced questions from the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday about Special Counsel Robert S. Mueller III’s investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. The nominee’s position on the investigation is a top priority for several senators. Despite Barr’s past criticism of the investigation, the former attorney general called Mueller a good friend who would not engage in a “witch hunt.” Roll Call’s senior Senate reporter Niels Lesniewski takes a look at how Barr’s performance at the hearing suggests his nomination will likely proceed unimpeded.