The support for Rex Tillerson’s secretary of state nomination from prominent officials from both Bush administrations already appears to be influencing at least one key senator’s feelings about the contentious selection.
Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., who sits on the Foreign Relations Committee, tweeted Tuesday afternoon that Tillerson’s endorsements from former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, former Defense Secretary Robert Gates and former Secretary of State James Baker are impressive.
“The fact that Condi Rice, James Baker and Bob Gates are recommending Tillerson carries considerable weight,” Flake tweeted. “I look forward to the hearings.”
The Foreign Relations Committee will consider Tillerson’s nomination before it heads to the floor.
Former Vice President Dick Cheney, as well as National Security Adviser Stephen Hadley, also cheered Trump’s decision to tap the Exxon Mobil CEO.
Cheney, Rice, Gates and Hadley served in the George W. Bush administration. Baker served as secretary of state and White House chief of staff under George H.W. Bush and White House chief of staff and secretary of the Treasury under President Ronald Reagan.
Flake, who sits on the Foreign Relations Committee, which will hold the confirmation hearings in early January, was a vocal critic during President-elect Trump’s presidential campaign.
Known for his candid comments and independent streak, Flake, after the election congratulated Trump on a “big win and a gracious and healing speech.”
“I looking forward to working with him,” Flake tweeted the day after the election. “Now, back to eating crow…”
Flake’s positive but cautious comments contrast with those of the senior senator from Arizona and onetime GOP presidential nominee, John McCain.
“I don’t know what Mr. Tillerson’s relationship with Vladimir Putin was, but I’ll tell you, it is a matter of concern to me,” said McCain, who chairs the Senate Armed Services Committee.
