In the wake of FBI Director James Comey's departure, a Republican senator has told the White House he thinks Merrick Garland—the judge nominated to the U.S. Supreme Court by President Obama, who never even received a hearing—would be perfect for the position. Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) tweeted on Thursday, "Instead of a special prosecutor, @realDonaldTrump should nominate Merrick Garland to replace James Comey." His spokesman, Conn Carroll, repeated that desire to The Daily Beast. "He's been sharing this idea with other Senate staff, and communicated this to the White House. It's something we want the administration to take seriously," said Carroll. "There was some interest [from White House staff]." Sen. Amy Klochubar (D-MN) also tweeted her support for the idea on Thursday. “Good idea @SenMikeLee. Former prosecutor Merrick Garland for FBI Director is great idea,” she wrote. “Need special prosecutor too.”

—Tim Mak