Report: Colo. Springs Mayor Suthers on Shortlist to Head FBI

A White House source has told Fox News that nearly a dozen candidates are under consideration to replace ousted FBI Director James Comey, including Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers.

Suthers said via social media that it's premature for him to comment on being named to the shortlist.

I'm honored to be listed among some tremendous law enforcement professionals, but at this point it would be premature to comment further.

— COSpringsMayor (@COSpringsMayor) May 12, 2017

Colorado's Republican Senator Cory Gardner says he recommended Suthers for the post.

Colorado's John Suthers would be an excellent choice to lead the FBI. I recommended him to the WH & am excited to see his name on this list. https://t.co/8RIoe9I4jQ

— Cory Gardner (@SenCoryGardner) May 12, 2017

Gardner told ColoradoPolitics.com, "John Suthers is universally recognized as a man of integrity and fair-mindedness who can do a very difficult job taking over the helm of the agency that needs an independent leader." Gardner continued, saying Suthers would be thorough and would complete the inquiry into Russian interference.

Suthers, a former Colorado Attorney General and federal prosecutor, was at one time rumored to be a candidate for a federal judgeship under President Donald Trump.

President Trump fired FBI Director James Comey earlier this week, citing the handling of the investigation into Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton's private email server. Trump has since said the firing was "set up a while ago."