Washington ‘abuzz’ over possible Trump cabinet choices, one could give Risch a shot at chairing Foreign Relations

Idaho Sen. Jim Risch could get a shot at chairing the prestigious Foreign Relations Committee, the Idaho Statesman reports today, if speculation about a new President Trump choosing current the current chair, Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., as Secretary of State proves correct. The Statesman reported today that “Washington is abuzz with the possibility” of Trump picking Corker for the position, but others reportedly under consideration are former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton.

“There is a lot of speculation going on right now – it’s all speculation,” said John Sandy, Risch’s chief of staff. “We’re just not going to involve ourselves in the speculation.”

He added, “Sen. Risch is very well positioned on three committees: Small business, energy, and foreign affairs.”

Risch is second in seniority on Foreign Relations to Corker. He’s first in seniority on the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, whose chairman, Sen. David Vitter, R-La., is retiring.

Meanwhile, Idaho Sen. Mike Crapo is in line to chair the Senate Banking Committee, now that Republicans have retained control of the Senate.