2 Bush Officials in Running to be Next Head of FBI

WASHINGTON (AP) — People familiar with the search for a new FBI director say two officials who worked for President George W. Bush have a realistic chance of being asked to head the bureau.

James Comey and Kenneth Wainstein served in sensitive national security-related posts in the Bush administration. That could make for interesting Senate confirmation hearings if President Barack Obama selects one of them to succeed FBI Director Robert Mueller, whose 10-year term expires Sept. 4.

The people familiar with the selection process say the service of Comey and Wainstein as political appointees under a Republican is a key factor in their being considered.

The Obama administration faces an expanded Republican minority in the Senate with votes to block any nominee who draws united opposition.