news-record.com

I just shipped the following to our night desk:

President Barack Obama has nominated Thomas G. Walker to take over as North Carolina’s U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District, a position key to prosecuting corruption cases in the state.

Walker’s nomination was announced by way of a news release sent after 9 p.m. Monday night along with three other U.S. Attorneys. According to the White House, Walker, 45, is a partner at Alston & Bird, a law firm in Raleigh where he has worked since 2003. Before that, he was a special council in the North Carolina Attorney General’s office. He has also been an assistant U.S. Attorney and an assistant district attorney.

Sen. Kay Hagan, who played a role in selecting Walker, called the nominee “extremely qualified and fair-minded, to serve in this important position for our state.”

The current U.S. Attorney in the eastern district is George Holding, a Republican appointed by George W. Bush. Replacing Holding is politically sensitive because his office plays a key role in prosecuting corruption cases, such as the one that sent former Democratic House Speaker Jim Black to jail. Most of the state’s top offices are held by Democrats, who have dominated state-level politics for most of the past century.

Currently, Holding is pursuing investigations of former Gov. Mike Easley, a Democrat, and former presidential candidate and U.S. Sen. John Edwards.

“I will continue to impress upon the White House that George Holding should be given the time to complete his investigations into former public officials,” Hagan said in a written statement. 

The timing of the announcement is odd, coming so late in the day. I'm not sure what that says other than the White House is insensitive the needs of east coast reporters on deadline.

Here's the announcement from the White House:

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, President Obama nominated the following individuals to serve as United States Attorneys:

· Christopher A. Crofts, District of Wyoming

· James L. Santelle, Eastern District of Wisconsin

· Thomas G. Walker, Eastern District of North Carolina

· Barbara L. McQuade, Eastern District of Michigan

“These fine attorneys have a extensive legal experience and a shared commitment to public service,” President Obama said. “I am thrilled that they will continue their service by pursuing justice on behalf of the American people as United States Attorneys.”

Thomas Walker, 45, is a partner at Alston & Bird, LLP, where he has worked since 2003. Prior to that, Mr. Walker worked as special counsel to North Carolina Attorney General Roy A. Cooper, III, from 2001 to 2003. He also served as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina from 1994 to 2001 and an Assistant District Attorney for Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, from 1990 to 1994. Mr. Walker graduated from Baylor University (1986) and Campbell University (1990).

And here is the written statement from U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan in its entirety:

“I congratulate the President for his choice of Thomas Walker, who is extremely qualified and fair-minded, to serve in this important position for our state. I expect the transition process to be undertaken in a mutually respectful manner with an eye toward what is best for the citizens of North Carolina.

“I will continue to impress upon the White House that George Holding should be given the time to complete his investigations into former public officials.”