Ex-Rep. Mike Rogers a betting favorite to become next FBI director

calvinayre.com

The odds are in favor of former Michigan congressman Mike Rogers to lead the FBI following the sudden dismissal of director James Comey.

Since Comey’s ouster, the roster of candidates who could potentially replace him—all with various levels of law enforcement and legislative experience—continues to change. Joe Lieberman had been considered a front-runner and had even met with U.S. President Donald Trump to interview for the top FBI position, but the former senator withdrew from consideration, citing the potential of a conflict of interest, The Wall Street Journal reported.

And now that Lieberman is out of the running, two other prospects are being floated to lead the bureau: Rogers and former Oklahoma Gov. Frank Keating.

The two candidates were both former FBI agents, but Rogers, 54, is said to have the edge over Keating, who is 73. Rogers, who retired from Congress in 2014 after seven terms, also has the backing from the former and active agents’ associations, who cited his experience serving in the FBI as well as his time in Congress as the reasons for their endorsement.

“It is essential that the next FBI director understand the details of how Agents do their important work,” Thomas F. O’Connor, president of the FBI Agents Association, said in a statement. “Chairman Rogers exemplifies the principles that should be possessed by the next FBI director.”

Oddsmakers choice

Bookmakers also favor Rogers over other candidates. At Bodog, the former Michigan representative is the current favorite with 7/4 odds of becoming the next FBI director, followed by Keating who odds is at 4/1.