According to an article in today’s Washington Post, the Obama administration will intentionally proceed slowly in appointing new U.S. attorneys.
Advisers to Obama say they have learned from past mistakes, including Clinton’s decision to require all U.S. attorneys to submit their resignations.
Critics said that move threw law enforcement efforts into disarray.
The issue is different in Mississippi than in some places. In Mississippi, both U.S. attorneys resigned and the positions are being held on an interim basis. In some places the U.S. attorney has not resigned and the Obama administration must decide whether to ask for their resignation. In any event, the U.S. attorney positions are not like open judicial seats where there is no one in the position until it is filled.
The acting U.S. attorneys in Mississippi are experienced and capable of competently holding the position indefinitely. So while there is intrigue and speculation in Mississippi, the issue may not be high on the administration’s priority list.