Sen. Bob Corker: George W. Bush 'Spoke Highly' of Tillerson for State

Former President George W. Bush praised Donald Trump's Secretary of State nominee Rex Tillerson and offered his support for the Exxon Mobil CEO.

Word of the former president's backing came from Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., who disclosed Bush had called him to discuss Tillerson.

Corker is the chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, which will hold confirmation hearings on Tillerson.

Corker tweeted Friday: 

Also appreciated a call I received from President George W. Bush, who spoke highly of Mr. Tillerson and offered support for his nomination.

— Senator Bob Corker (@SenBobCorker) December 16, 2016

Corker told radio host Hugh Hewitt that Bush had never called him before to discuss a Cabinet nominee.

"Never has, and was just over the top with his praise, I mean, could not have been more supportive," Corker said. "So I've talked to him about other things briefly, but never a nominee, and it bodes very well for Mr. Tillerson.

"I do believe that by the end of the day, he's not only going to receive Republican support, again based on the conversation I had with him, but also I think he's going to receive a lot of Democratic support."

CNN noted both Democrats and some Republicans have questioned Tillerson's close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

• Corker: Tillerson 'Best Choice' for What Trump Wants to Achieve
• James Baker: Tillerson's Ties With Putin Not a Concern