The White House has announced that President Obama has nominated John Walsh for Colorado U.S. Attorney, ending a long and bumpy process. Walsh, was born in New York but grew up in Denver. He is in private practice. He served as an AUSA in Los Angeles from 1987 to 1995, and has emphasized gun crimes and economic crimes as a priority. Republicans like Walsh, I expect he'll be confirmed easily. As one put it, ""We're not going to get a Republican appointed, so why not take the best of the Democrats?"

The Denver Post endorsed Walsh for Denver D.A. in 2004 when he lost to our current D.A., Mitch Morrissey. It liked his promise to strengthen juvenile diversion, prevention programs and drug courts.

The Pueblo Chieftain reports Walsh has made significant contributions to the campaigns of Obama, Mark Udall and Ken Salazar. The other contender for the position, Pueblo D.A. Joe Thiebaut, did not.

Walsh was also under consideration for a federal judgeship. From a practical standpoint, it will be interesting to see what changes Walsh makes in leadership positions inside the office.