Two federal prosecutors are among a long list of names being mentioned as possible candidates to replace retiring Sen. Kent Conrad (D-N.D.).
Tim Purdon (Vogel Law Firm)
One of the names being circulated is current North Dakota U.S. Attorney Tim Purdon. Purdon took over the U.S. Attorney’s office Aug. 5, 2010, after working in the private sector at the Vogel Law Firm in Bismarck, N.D. He also has worked at the Bismarck firm of Dickson & Purdon (now Dickson Law Office). The federal prosecutor came under fire during the confirmation process.
Republican critics said President Barack Obama chose Purdon over more-qualified candidates due to his political connections. Purdon — who was on the executive committee of the North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party from February 2006 until his resignation earlier this month — had no prosecutorial experience. Read about his full background here.
Drew Wrigley (DOJ)
Another possible candidate is ex-U.S. Attorney Drew Wrigley. Wright was nominated by President George W. Bush and headed the North Dakota office until Sept. 13, 2009. He resigned to become the vice president of Fargo-based Noridian Administrative Services, which helps businesses with information management and customer service.
Last year, Wrigley was mentioned as a possible candidate to replace retiring Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.). However, there is speculation he might rather run for governor in 2012.
