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Sen. John Cornyn withdraws from FBI director search

Senate Majority Whip John Cornyn on Tuesday withdrew himself from consideration for FBI director.

"Now more than ever the country needs a well-credentialed, independent FBI Director. I've informed the Administration that I'm committed to helping them find such an individual, and that the best way I can serve is continuing to fight for a conservative agenda in the U.S. Senate," the Texas Republican said in a statement.

Cornyn said he's "eager" to continue working with the administration and his colleagues to make the country stronger.

Democrats threaten to block Trump's FBI director nominee 07:46

The Republican senator was among the candidates interviewed at the Justice Department over the weekend to replace James Comey, who was fired by President Trump last week.

Other candidates include former DOJ official Alice Fisher; Adam Lee, special agent in charge of FBI Richmond; New York State Judge Michael Garcia, Federal Judge Henry Hudson, former Homeland Security Adviser Fran Townsend and Mike Rogers, former chairman of the House Intelligence Committee.

Over the weekend, Mr. Trump said he hoped to "make a fast decision" on Comey's replacement and could nominate the person before his first foreign trip as president, which he'll depart for on Friday. 

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