The Department of Justice passed over a Hopi woman in announcing an interim U.S. Attorney for Arizona on Wednesday but a spokesperson said Diane Humetewa has not been excluded for the permanent nomination.
Humetewa, an attorney who has worked on tribal justice issues, was recommended by Republican Sens. John McCain and Jon Kyl. They want her to replace Paul Charlton, who left office yesterday.
But rather than announcing a nominee for the post, the Bush administration Daniel Knauss will serve as interim U.S. Attorney. A little-noticed addition to the USA Patriot Act allows the government to make interim nominations for indefinite periods of time.
Humetewa has worked for the Department of Justice, the U.S. Attorney's Office in Arizona and for McCain during his two tenures as chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee.
Get the Story:Interim U.S. attorney for Ariz. named (The Arizona Republic 2/1) Relevant Links:
U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona - http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/az Related Stories:
Hopi woman touted as next US Attorney for Arizona (1/29)
Bush urged to nominate Hopi woman for U.S. Attorney (01/05)
