President Barack Obama selected Cole County Circuit Judge Richard Callahan to be the new U.S. Attorney for Missouri's Eastern District.
There had been speculation for some time that longtime judge and former Cole County prosecutor was on the shortlist for the position. But the White House made it official today in a press release announcing several other nominees.
"These nominees have displayed an unyielding dedication to serving the public good," said President Obama in a statement. "They are some of the most diligent, judicious and well-respected legal minds in the country. I am confident that, as U.S. Attorneys, they will be relentless in their pursuit of justice and serve the American people with distinction."
Callahan was often at the forefront of many significant cases dealing with state government. He presided over a marathon trial over the state's school funding formula. And he also heard challenges to various laws and ballot summary language.
If he's confirmed by the U.S. Senate, Gov. Jay Nixon will get to pick Callahan's successor.
Catherine Hanaway was the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri during President George W. Bush's second term. She resigned to take a position at a law firm set up by former Attorney General John Ashcroft.
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