The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper The Spokesman-Review
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883
Current Temperature
37°F
Current Conditions
Overcast clouds
View complete weather report

Color Scheme

Subscribe now

Lieberman latest person to withdraw from FBI director search

Former Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman gives a thumbs-up as he leaves the West Wing of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, May 17, 2017. (Pablo Martinez Monsivais / Associated Press)
By Eric Tucker Associated Press

WASHINGTON – Former Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman has withdrawn from consideration for the role of FBI director. Lieberman interviewed last week with President Donald Trump, who publicly identified him as a leading candidate.

But Lieberman says he’s pulling out in a letter sent to the White House.

He says he wants to avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest, given Trump’s hiring of one of Lieberman’s law partners to represent him in the investigation of ties between Russia and the Trump campaign.

The White House declined to comment. Several other people interviewed for the job have also withdrawn from consideration.

Trump fired former FBI director James Comey earlier this month.