CFPB Director Richard Cordray is once again refusing to tell House Financial Services Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-Texas) whether he will fill out his term or resign to run for Ohio Governor.
“At this time, I have no further insights to provide on that subject,” Cordray said, in a Wednesday letter to Hensarling.
Cordray pointed out that Hensarling has asked Cordray on two separate occasions whether he intends to fill out his term.
Hensarling sent a letter to Cordray on Tuesday, citing reports that Cordray intends to resign before his term ends next summer in order to run for the Democratic nomination for governor in 2018.
And Hensarling cited reports that the CFPB has been rushing to complete its controversial and massive payday loan rule to be able to issue it before Cordray leaves.
“I categorically deny that political considerations have informed any aspect of my decisions, orders and communications” regarding the payday loan rule, Cordray said, in his letter.
Cordray is scheduled to speak at a Labor Day AFL-CIO picnic in Cincinnati. In addition, Ohio Democrats have scheduled their first debate in the gubernatorial race for Sept. 12.
Hensarling already has leveled charges that Cordray may have violated the Hatch Act, which prohibits political activities by federal employees.
And he has been a longtime nemesis of the CFPB director, going so far as to tell Cordray during a hearing that President Trump should fire him.
