WASHINGTON — Richard Cordray probably wishes the Electoral College, not the Senate, held the keys to his confirmation as director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
If that were the case, Cordray, who faces heavy GOP opposition on Capitol Hill, would appear to have the crucial swing state of Ohio locked up.
No stranger to politicking as the state's former attorney general, Cordray has received the backing of the head of the Ohio Bankers League, four prominent Ohio businessmen and 30 sheriffs in the state, which all submitted letters of support to the Senate Banking Committee.
Mike Van Buskirk, president and chief executive officer of the banker league, said while he has "reservations" about the bureau's structure and has "differed" with Cordray before on policy moves, the nominee "would prove an able director."
"I know him to be bright, ethical and committed to the public good," Van Buskirk wrote.
Meanwhile, a July 27 letter was sent by Michael G. Morris, chief executive of American Electric Power, a Columbus-based utility; Albert B. Ratner, the co-chairman emeritus of Forest City Enterprises, a real estate management company in Cleveland; John E. Pepper, the retired chairman and CEO of Procter & Gamble; and Leslie H. Wexner, chief executive of Limited Brands. "He will serve our nation well and together, we voice our strong support," they wrote.
The 30 sheriffs said Cordray "has earned the respect of Ohio's law enforcement community."
"We believe he will be an effective cop-on-the-beat for consumer financial products," they said.
