Corker turns downs Trump's offer to be ambassador to Australia

[Judi Lynn]

Source: The Hill


BY JORDAIN CARNEY - 05/21/18 07:01 PM EDT

Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), who is retiring after 2018, turned down an offer from the Trump administration to be the next ambassador to Australia.

A spokeswoman for Corker, chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, confirmed his decision, which was first reported by The Tennessean.

"I had a number of conversations with both President Trump and [Secretary of State Mike] Pompeo. At the end of the day though…it just felt like it wasn't the right step," Corker told the Tennessee newspaper.

Corker, who was previously under consideration to be Trump's secretary of State or vice president, said he notified the administration last week that he wouldn't accept the position, which would have started in 2019.

Read more: http://thehill.com/homenews/senate/388698-corker-turns-downs-trumps-offer-to-be-ambassador-to-australia

[sandensea]

1. He's smart. Corker might want to run against Cheeto in 2020,

and doesn't want to be sucked in when the Trumptanic sinks.

[Sneederbunk]

2. It's hard to lobby from Australia.

[nature-lover]

3. Not obligated to this administration for anything. Well played. Now, vote for the people!

[luc mont]

4. Ruler of Australia

Sorry. Couldn't resist.