McConnell mum on Senate support for Herman Cain for Fed

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell isn’t saying whether he thinks his chamber would confirm Herman Cain to join the Federal Reserve board, casting doubt on the former Republican presidential candidate’s prospects should President Donald Trump advance him for the post.

Asked if a Cain nomination would face problems, the Kentucky Republican on Thursday noted that successful nominees must pass background checks and have a likelihood of confirmation.

Three GOP senators — Utah’s Mitt Romney, Alaska’s Lisa Murkowski and North Dakota’s Kevin Cramer — told The Associated Press they’d likely vote against Cain. With Republicans controlling the Senate 53-47, it would take opposition from just four GOP senators to sink the nomination, assuming all Democrats are also “no” votes.