Offering frequent news and analysis from the majestic Evergreen State and beyond, The Cascadia Advocate is the Northwest Progressive Institute's unconventional perspective on world, national, and local politics.

Friday, May 15, 2009

Jenny Durkan nominated to be next U.S. Attorney for Western Washington

President Barack Obama today nominated six lawyers to serve as U.S. Attorneys for six of the nation's ninety three judicial districts.

Among the six is our very own Jenny Durkan, a longtime friend and adviser to Governor Chris Gregoire. Readers may recall that Durkan was one of the lawyers who successfully defeated Republican Dino Rossi's gubernatorial election challenge in 2005 (along with David McDonald and Kevin Hamilton).

Durkan was recommended for the post several months ago by Senators Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray. If confirmed by the U.S. Senate, she will become the federal prosecutor for all of Western Washington, including King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties, where much of the Evergreen State's population lives.

The current U.S. Attorney for Western Washington, Republican Jeff Sullivan (who was tapped to replace John McKay, who was fired by George W. Bush during the Attorneygate scandal), has the option of remaining with the office as an Assistant U.S. Attorney, and has disclosed that he intends to do so.

Governor Chris Gregoire released this statement in response to the nomination:
Washington state’s judicial system and the public will be well served by Jenny Durkan as head of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington. I congratulate Jenny on her much deserved nomination today, which would make her the area’s top federal prosecutor.

Jenny's excellent credentials make her amply qualified for this important federal position.

Jenny is known for her wide-ranging legal experience and her successful criminal and civil litigation practice. In addition, she is highly regarded for her civic leadership. I am so pleased the Obama administration also recognizes Jenny’s leadership and experience, and nominated her for this important position. I hope the Senate will act quickly on the nomination to confirm her.
We agree. Kudos to President Obama for making a solid pick, and congratulations to Jenny on her nomination. We're confident she'll make an excellent U.S. Attorney, and we're looking forward to seeing her in action following her confirmation.

Comments:

Post a Comment

<< Home