Special to the Tri-State Defender

U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen and U.S. Rep. John Tanner have forwarded to The White House their recommendations for the positions of U.S Attorney and U.S. Marshall for the Western District of Tennessee, Cohen told the Tri-State Defender on Tuesday.

He declined further comment, saying it would be inappropriate for him to release the names or additional information.

In addition, the Tennessee Democratic delegation has forwarded its recommendations regarding a range of federal appointments within the state to the White House, Cohen said in a statement released to the newspaper.

“After several months of discussion with other members of the Tennessee Delegation regarding appointments for the TVA Board, U.S. Marshall and U.S. Attorney positions, the delegation has sent its recommendations for all the positions,” Cohen said.

“Additionally, Congressman Tanner and I have sent recommendations for the positions of U.S. Marshall and U.S. Attorney since those positions are specific to West Tennessee.  It would not be appropriate to release either the names of those who have been nominated or those who requested to be nominated,” said Cohen.

The White House will now go forward with its process in vetting and selecting candidates, said Cohen. “I have confidence that the White House will proceed with all due diligence and consideration in making these appointments.”

In a related matter, President Barack Obama on May 15 announced his first six nominees for U.S. Attorney district offices: Preet Bharara, Southern District of New York; Tristram Coffin, District of Vermont; Jenny Durkan, Western District of Washington; Paul Fishman, District of New Jersey; John Paul Kacavas, District of New Hampshire; and Joyce Vance, Northern District of Alabama.

The U.S. Attorneys will lead the effort to carry out President Obama’s and Atty. Gen. Eric Holder’s key initiatives such as national security, civil rights enforcement and prosecution of foreclosure scams and white collar crime.

“This group of men and women have distinguished themselves as fair, tenacious and respected attorneys throughout their careers in both public and private service,” Obama said. “They will serve their country with distinction as U.S. Attorneys and it is my honor to nominate them for these esteemed positions.”

There are 93 U.S. attorney positions. The White House’s nomination process is being closely watched by members of both political parties. Obama has pledged a bi-partisan approach to government. The Bush Administration’s firing of nine U.S. attorneys gave rise to concerns that partisan politics was unduly influencing the U.S. Department of Justice’s decisions and policies.

Obama has sought recommendations from key members of his political party, just as former President Bush did. In most cases, Obama asked Democratic senators to nominate candidates. In the 14 states such as Tennessee where there is no Democrat serving as U.S. senator, U.S. representatives and key Democratic Party leaders are being asked to weigh in. Thus far, Democratic Party leaders and delegations have sent forward recommendations for 40 candidates, media outlets report. Over the last two months, 20 candidates have been interviewed by Justice officials in Washington.

Lawrence J. Laurenzi, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, told the Tri-State Defender last month he had not submitted his resume to the White House or to the Democratic Party delegation.