Ayotte Makes List of Possible FBI Director Successors: Report

CONCORD, NH — The New Hampshire woman who lost her U.S. Senate seat last year by a sliver after turning on then-Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump is making the short list of possible successors for fired FBI Director James Comey, according to a report. Fox News is reporting that Kelly Ayotte, R-NH, an attorney and former top cop in New Hampshire, is being considered for job.

At just before 7:30 a.m. on May 10, 2017, the president wrote on Twitter that “James Comey will be replaced by someone who will do a far better job, bringing back the spirit and prestige of the FBI.” Trump added about 8 minutes later, “Comey lost the confidence of almost everyone in Washington, Republican and Democrat alike. When things calm down, they will be thanking me!”

Ayotte – who lost her Senate seat in November by 734 votes – abandoned support for Trump last year after the revelation of decade-plus old video footage bragging about sexual conquests. During a debate, Ayotte said she would be proud of the president if he were elected but then, reversed course, and said she would be writing-in Mike Pence on Election Day.

Many of the state’s politerati have pointed to this flip-flop, as well as last minute, illegal political mailers promoting indie candidates that were on the ballot, too, as reasons she lost her re-election campaign. Days after conceding the Senate race, Ayotte was floated as a possible defense secretary but Trump put the kibosh on that rumor saying she was not being considered for a role in the administration.

Earlier this year though, Trump buried the hatchet and called Ayotte to ask her to help lead Judge Neil Gorsuch through the Senate before he was confirmed as a Supreme Court Justice last month. Ayotte told news outlets she was “surprised” by the call, but admired and respected Gorsuch.

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-SC, who appeared this morning on Fox News, called Ayotte an excellent choice among many acceptable candidates who might be considered.

Ayotte led the NewHampshire Attorney General’s Office for more than five years before being elected to the Senate after being appointed the first woman for the job in 2004 by then-Gov. Craig Benson, R-NH. She was twice reappointed to the position by then-Gov. John Lynch, D-NH.

Others being considered for the director's position are NJ Gov. Chris Christie, Milwaukee Sheriff David Clarke, and Trey Gowdy, R-SC.

Last night, a Facebook page was started to draft Clarke for the job, with creators stating, “It is time to get another outside the establishment person who can restore credibility to our legal system.”