This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2010, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Washington » The White House has decided to take a pass on the man Utah insiders were convinced would become the next U.S. Attorney for the state. In a surprise announcement, David Schwendiman said the Obama administration wouldn't nominate him to the post, despite the bipartisan support he has received from Rep. Jim Matheson, D-Utah, and Sen. Orrin Hatch R-Utah.
"I am honored to have been considered, but I understood from the outset that the choice of nominee is the prerogative of the president and that the White House would make the final decision," Schwendiman said in a statement released from the U.S. Attorneys' Office in Utah.
The White House declined comment. Schwendiman's statement indicated he would remain a senior litigator at the U.S. Attorney's Office.
"I am grateful for the consideration I was given and remain fully committed to serving my country, my state and the Department of Justice," he said.
Matheson responded to the news by saying he's glad Schwendiman will remain a federal prosecutor.
"Dave Schwendiman has a distinguished record of service to our state and to our country," he said. "I wish him the very best in that post."
Schwendiman has worked at the office for decades, under both Republicans and Democrats. He left in 2006 to become a war crimes prosecutor in Bosnia, but returned at the start of this year as the White House started the vetting process.
The Salt Lake Tribune first reported in October that Schwendiman was the consensus pick to replace then U.S. Attorney Brett Tolman. Salt Lake City Prosecutor Sim Gill, once considered a contender for the spot, said: "Beyond a professional résumé that is just impeccable, Dave Schwendiman has just the passion and understanding to be a great public prosecutor."
He also had the strong backing of Scott Matheson Jr., the congressman's brother and the last Democrat to hold the U.S. Attorney's seat in Utah. Matheson is now a nominee for a 10th Circuit Court of Appeals opening.
While the White House searches for another candidate, Carlie Christensen will continue serving as the acting U.S. Attorney for the state, a spot she has filled since the start of the year.
U.S. Attorneys act as the principal litigators in federal court and are part of the Justice Department. Presidential appointees oversee 93 districts nationally.
Since becoming president, Obama has nominated 73 people to become U.S. Attorneys, and the Senate has confirmed 54 in a process that normally takes a few months. Only one nominee so far -- Stephanie Villafuerte -- has withdrawn her name after the Colorado attorney got involved in a political controversy involving a gubernatorial campaign.
About 20 other districts -- including Utah's -- remain represented by people in an acting capacity or by attorneys selected by President George W. Bush.
Pamela Manson contributed to this report.
Schwendiman won't be U.S. Attorney for Utah