Republicans pivot and make Comey the Capitol's most-wanted man

Mr. Comey has a history of leaving paper-trail traps for those who try to undermine him

Republicans on Wednesday abruptly pivoted and rushed to call on James B. Comey, who was fired as F.B.I. director by President Trump last week, to testify before several committees, produce memos and provide greater detail of his encounters with the president.

After days of showing limited interest in drawing more attention to the emerging controversy about the president’s role in the investigation into Russian election meddling, Republicans were now offering Mr. Comey highly public forums to lay out his version of events.

Mr. Comey, who has served as a foil, an object of derision and a political martyr for both parties, is