Washington (CNN) The likely pick to fill the role of deputy director at the Census Bureau has no government experience and authored a book that argues that competition in district races is bad for the country, Politico has reported. If appointed, Thomas Brunell, a professor at the University of Texas at Dallas, would become the highest-ranking permanent official at the Census Bureau. Brunell was previously being considered for the Census Bureau's director role, a position that requires Senate confirmation, but his name was ultimately dropped from consideration, Politico reported Tuesday. The deputy director role does not require confirmation. Brunell published a book in 2008 titled "Redistricting and Representation: Why Competitive Elections are Bad for America."

Source: CNN November 22, 2017 22:07 UTC