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Recent tea-leaf reading about President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming Cabinet has focused on U.S. Sen. Eric Schmitt, Missouri’s junior senator, as a possible contender for U.S. attorney general in President-elect Donald Trump’s administration.

But on Monday, Schmitt confirmed new reports that he was taking his name out of the running for the nation’s top legal position.

“I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and be a champion for President Trump in the Senate,� Schmitt said on X.

With Schmitt off the board, Show-Me handicappers are now looking at another Missouri legislator who is getting serious mention as a man on the move.

U.S. Rep. Sam Graves, R-Tarkio, reportedly is in the running as a possible pick by Trump to become the new U.S. transportation secretary, succeeding Biden appointeeÌý±Ê±ð³Ù±ðÌýButtigieg, a Democrat.Ìý

Graves’ district covers the northern third of the state, from Illinois to Kansas. The district also reaches south to take in Lincoln County, which is part of the ºüÀêÊÓƵ metropolitan area.

According to several news sources, Graves — now the chair of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee — has confirmed he has talked with Trump’s transition team about the potential role in a new administration.

the possibility of Graves landing the job, saying he and, oddly enough, another legislator named Graves (Garret Graves of Louisiana), are the favorites to land the post.

´¡Ìý also has touted Missouri’s Graves, saying he has worked to get federal funds to , reduce regulations on commercial vehicles and create grant programs for truck parking.

Graves is the longest-tenured Missouri member of Congress, having first been elected to Congress in 2000. He’s the brother of Todd Graves, an influential Missouri Republican and former U.S. attorney.