St. Lawrence County Democrats say Congresswoman Elise Stefanik has failed to be an independent voice during House Intelligence Committee Impeachment Hearings for the impeachment of President Donald Trump, but supporters are saying she deserves praise for her efforts.

A statement from the St. Lawrence Democratic Committee says that on April 25, 2018 Elise Stefanik released the following statement: “I pledged to be an independent voice for the North Country and will continue building on this record of bipartisanship to deliver results for the families I am proud to represent.”

Committee members say she has failed to live up to that pledge.

“Ms. Stefanik’s recent performance during the House Intelligence Committee Impeachment Hearings demonstrates that she has forgotten her pledge to the North Country. On Friday afternoon she spent her allotted time reading criticism of her colleague into the record rather than asking probing questions of the witness in order to discover the truth. A truly “independent voice” would have taken the time to question the witness rather than carry water for Republican Congressmen and yield the balance of her time to Congressman Jordan,” the statement says. “An independent voice would pay attention to the questions of all members and the answers of all witnesses rather than engaging in a Twitter squabble with a reporter.”

The statement also accuses Stefanik of using the hearings to raise campaign funding.

“An independent voice would also not use the impeachment hearings as a fundraising scheme by shamelessly promising to protect President Trump in order to raise campaign money outside of the 21st Congressional District. The families of the 21st District deserve better,” the statement says.

The statement was sent from the St. Lawrence County Democratic Committee and has been posted on the committee’s Facebook page.

Although no names are attached, the committee is chaired by Mark Bellardini.

Stefanik’s seat is being sought by Canton Democrat Tedra Cobb, who is a former St. Lawrence County legislator.

Cobb lost to Stefanik in the last race for the congressional seat in 2018.

Despite the criticism from Democrats, Stefanik is enjoying strong support from her base. Republican and Conservative party chairs also issued a letter in support of Stefanik that criticizes Canton’s Tedra Cobb, who is hoping to unseat the congresswoman.

The letter which was signed by many, including St. Lawrence County Republican Committee Chairman Tom Jenison, offers appreciation for Stefanik’s action throughout the impeachment hearings.

“We are grateful for her service to voters throughout these impeachment hearings as she asks the strongest questions and shines the light of truth on this important Constitutional matter. We are proud that the American public has seen her emerge as the staunchest defender of truth, transparency, and the United States Constitution. The American people are discovering what we already know well at home in New York's 21st District: She is truly a new generation leader and rising star,” the letter says.

The letter also takes shots at Cobb as well as voters within the district.

“It has become clear that our district has been catapulted into the national spotlight because of the exceptional work of Elise during the impeachment hearings. The Far-Left has targeted our Congresswoman with vile attacks. At home, North Country voters couldn't be prouder,” the letter says. “Her failed 2018 Far-Left opponent Tedra Cobb has decided to use this opportunity to raise money from the national left-wing apparatus promoting sexist comments and derogatory language used by reporters and liberal elites toward Elise. Her supporters are using the tag #TrashyStefanik in a vulgar, intolerable attempt to make money off of Elise’s success this week.”