The president nominates individuals for U.S. attorney. Those nominated must be confirmed by the Senate. The president relies on recommendations from senior members of the same party, first looking to the Senate. However, both Mississippi senators are Republicans. U.S. Rep. Gene Taylor is the senior Democrat in the House of Representatives, but did not endorse Obama for president.
The president’s office turned to Second District Rep. Bennie Thompson, also a Democrat. Thompson spokesman Lanier Avant said a recommendation for the Southern District post, which covers from Jackson to the Coast, has been in the works for several months. The process started after the election, he said, but before Obama was sworn in.
Avant said numerous Mississippians are interested in the job, but he would not discuss whom Thompson might recommend. Avant did say Thompson plans to give the president only one name and that should happen within days or weeks, not months.
Magnolia Tribune
