Free Republic

State Senator Jim Jordan (R) is mentioned as a possible successor, but he's also a potential running mate to gubenatorial candidate Ken Blackwell.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The chairman of the U.S. House Financial Services Committee, Ohio Republican Rep. Michael Oxley, could announce his retirement as early as Tuesday, sources close to the congressman said on Monday. Oxley's spokeswoman did not return calls for comment. Oxley most recently shepherded a bill through the House of Representatives to overhaul regulation of mortgage finance giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The bill must still clear the Senate, which is unlikely this year. Despite Congress being in session, Oxley has events scheduled in his home state on Tuesday. "There could be an announcement tomorrow in Ohio," said...

Filed at 1:21 p.m. ET WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Accusing the Bush administration of a ``cozy, permissive relationship'' with corporate America, Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle said on Sunday the chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission was largely responsible and should be replaced. Daschle faulted Chairman Harvey Pitt for having ``too cozy a relationship'' with those his agency regulates, including meeting with accountants he used to represent ``on many occasions before issuing regulation.'' Asked on CBS' ``Face the Nation'' if he thought Pitt should leave the SEC, the top U.S. markets regulator, Daschle said, ``That is an issue that I...