Since Jeff Sessions was announced as part of Donald Trump’s upcoming administration, jockeying has already begun for the conservative senator’s seat. Though, at least one elected official has said that he would reluctantly take the job, and only if asked.
Baldwin County Congressman Bradley Byrne says that he’s happy with his current position in the U.S. House of Representatives, but would find it hard to turn down Governor Bentley if approached about the open Senate position.
“You never say no to the governor if it’s a high calling like this,” Rep. Byrne said during an interview with WTVM.
“I think this is a very important time for our area,” he added. “I’ve been able to move up a lot in the three years I’ve been in the House- I think I could do more good there.”
The South Alabama representative acknowledged there is already strong competition for the post, adding that he feels a duty to remain in his current office.
“I’ve got the job I like,” Rep. Byrne said. “There are a lot of good people that have put their name in the hat.”
“I think I need to stay really focused on the stuff that matters down here. I have some very important national things that I’m involved in in the House, and the way all these House members keep being appointed to things, if I just stick around, I’ll end up being appointed Speaker one day because I’ll be the only one left,” he joked.
At least two of Rep. Byrne’s colleagues, Mo Brooks and Robert Aderholt, have both expressed
interest in an appointment to fill Sessions’ seat.
