GOP Sen. Roberts: Larry Summers Unfit to 'Mow My Yard'

Sen. Pat Roberts has low regard for both of the top contenders to be the next Federal Reserve chairman – former White House economic adviser Larry Summers and current Fed vice chairwoman Janet Yellen.

"I wouldn’t want Larry Summers to mow my yard," Roberts told the Kansas Independent Oil and Gas Association Monday, according to The Wichita Eagle.

"He’s terribly controversial and brusque, and I don’t think he works well with either side of the aisle, quite frankly."

While Roberts, a Republican from Kansas, thinks Yellen would be more qualified than Summers, he told Politico in an interview Tuesday that he wouldn't vote in favor of her confirmation if President Barack Obama nominates her.

"I have problems with her leadership as well, mainly because I think she will continue the policies of the easy money that we have," Roberts said.

He said he would prefer Kansas City Fed President Esther George or Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. Vice Chairman Tom Hoenig for the job.

In a meeting with House Democrats July 31, Obama said he's deciding between Summers, Yellen, and former Fed Vice Chairman Donald Kohn, the New York Times reported earlier this month. He also said he intends to make his choice during autumn. The nominee will need the vote of 60 senators to be confirmed.

Current Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke's term ends in January.