Ex-Rep. Mike Rogers a betting favorite to become next FBI director

The odds are in favor of former Michigan congressman Mike Rogers to lead the FBI following the sudden dismissal of director James Comey.

Since Comey’s ouster, the roster of candidates who could potentially replace him—all with various levels of law enforcement and legislative experience—continues to change. Joe Lieberman had been considered a front-runner and had even met with U.S. President Donald Trump to interview for the top FBI position, but the former senator withdrew from consideration, citing the potential of a conflict of interest, The Wall Street Journal reported.

And now that Lieberman is out of the running, two other prospects are being floated to lead the bureau: Rogers and former Oklahoma Gov. Frank Keating.

The two candidates were both former FBI agents, but Rogers, 54, is said to have the edge over Keating, who is 73. Rogers, who retired from Congress in 2014 after seven terms, also has the backing from the former and active agents’ associations, who cited his experience serving in the FBI as well as his time in Congress as the reasons for their endorsement.