Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.) (gov)
Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.) “remains frustrated” that President Barack Obama has yet to nominate a U.S. Attorney for the state, The Forum of Fargo, N.D., reports. “I don’t understand it. That U.S. Attorney position should have been filled,” the senator told the newspaper Thursday.
Lynn C. Jordheim has been North Dakota’s acting U.S. Attorney since Sept. 13, following the resignation of Drew Wrigley, who had been the district’s head prosecutor since November 2001. Wright was nominated by President George W. Bush. He is now the vice president of the Fargo-based Noridian Administrative Services, which helps businesses with information management and customer service.
Among the names being considered for the position are:
- Tim Purdon, an attorney at Vogel Law Firm in Bismarck, N.D.
- Jasper Schneider, a state representative and Fargo, N.D.
- Bill Brudvik, a partner at Ohnstad Twichell Law Firm in Mayville, N.D., and candidate for state attorney general
- Janice Morley, an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Fargo, N.D.
- Rebecca Thiem, an attorney with Zuger Kirmis & Smith in Bismarck, N.D
Dorgan previously has expressed concerns about the slow vetting process. He told The Forum that he has spoke with the White House about his concerns but would not disclose details of those talks. “I understand that nominations are tough sometimes. It requires vetting. They don’t get done as soon as they should – I understand all that,” he told the newspaper. “It just seems to me that the U.S. attorney’s position is a very important position, and we had expected this to be completed long before now.”
According to The Forum, White House spokeswoman Amy Brundage previously has refused to comment on the nomination process until an official announcement is made.
Tim Purdon (Vogel Law Firm)
Jasper Schneider (gov)
Bill Brudvik (Bill Brudvik for Attorney General)
Rebecca S. Thiem (Zuger Kirmis & Smith)
