Law, corporate work, politics? What’s next for James Comey

Associated Press

WASHINGTON

So what’s next for James Comey?

The former FBI director boldly challenged the president who fired him, accused the Trump administration of lying and supplied material that could be used to build a case against President Donald Trump.

But after stepping away from the Capitol Hill spotlight, where he’s always seemed comfortable, the 56-year-old veteran lawman now confronts the same question long faced by Washington officials after their government service.

His dry quip at a riveting Senate hearing that he was “between opportunities” vastly understates the career prospects now available to him – not to mention potential benefits from the public’s fascination with a man who has commanded respect while drawing outrage from both political parties.

Career options are generally plentiful for departing FBI leaders and attorneys general. Both Bob Mueller and former Attorney General Eric Holder, for instance, took jobs with prestigious law firms after leaving public service.

But companies that do business with the government might find it risky to bring aboard someone who’s so publicly at odds with the current administration.

Comey’s name over the years has been floated in politics, though it’s not clear the former Republican – now an independent – has any interest.