Scoop: Tom Cotton told Trump's team he won't take administration jobs

Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) has told President-elect Trump’s team he will not be accepting administration roles, despite being a top contender for positions including CIA director and Secretary of Defense, two sources familiar tell Axios.

Why it matters: Cotton — a relatively young, conservative defense hawk — is a much-speculated future presidential contender.

• Cotton will remain a Trump ally in the Senate where he is running against Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) for conference chair, the No. 3 Senate GOP leadership position.
• He’s thought to have the edge in the leadership race slated for next Wednesday, sources tell us.
• Ernst, who is currently ranked No. 4, was upset when Cotton jumped the gun earlier this year in announcing his bid for Republican Conference chair without giving her a heads-up.

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