Politico: Lucas Dropping Bid To Chair Financial Services Committee
Frank Lucas drops challenge to Jeb Hensarling
By MJ LEE
Rep. Frank Lucas is dropping his bid to be chairman of the House Financial Services Committee in the next Congress, the Oklahoma Republican told POLITICO late Thursday.
“A number of my colleague were very supportive of me considering that,” he said. “I believe the deadline was today at 5 o’clock to reserve time to make a presentation before the Steering Committee. I did not reserve time. Therefore, as far as I know, I don’t know anyone else who’s interested besides the incumbent Chairman [Jeb Hensarling].”
Lucas is currently chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, where he is term-limited. He surprised some in Washington last month when he declared that he would challenge Hensarling (R-Texas) for the top spot on the Financial Services Committee. At the time, he cited frustration among fellow Republicans on the panel, and said he had asked Hensarling for a subcommittee chairmanship but was denied.
Lucas said Thursday it had became clear to him that Hensarling had the full backing of House GOP leadership.