efforts.”

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) on Friday ruled out serving as Trump's chief of staff.

Nick Ayers, who currently serves as Vice President Pence's chief of staff, was seen as the top contender for the position but removed himself from consideration days ago.

Outgoing House Freedom Caucus Chairman Rep. Mark Meadows Mark Randall MeadowsThe Hill's Morning Report - Sponsored by Facebook - GOP closes ranks to fill SCOTUS vacancy by November House moves toward spending vote after bipartisan talks House Democrats mull delay on spending bill vote MORE (R-N.C.), another possible candidate, said this week that he is “fully committed” to continuing to serve in the House.JUNEAU, Alaska — The bidder who planned to purchase Alaska's ferry Taku and turn it into a waterfront hotel and restaurant in Oregon has backed out of the deal.

The sale of the 352-foot (107-meter) surplus vessel was expected to close in early December. But the winning bidder withdrew, citing factors such as regulatory problems in Portland, said Aurah Landau, a spokeswoman for the Alaska Department of Transportation and Facilities.

Portland resident Jonathan Cohen offered $300,000 for the ferry on behalf of KeyMar LLC in September, the Juneau Empire reported Friday. The group of investors planned to transform the mothballed ferry into a floating hotel at a pier in northwest Portland. Their bid was six times higher than the next bid.

The newspaper was unable to reach Cohen for a comment