Politics

15 seek federal attorney position

By CARRIE WEIMAR
Published June 20, 2007

TAMPA - The list of candidates to be the region's new U.S. attorney keeps growing.

As of late Tuesday, 15 people had submitted applications for the $145, 000-a-year position.

The applications had to be postmarked by Friday, so more could still be in the mail.

Joining the growing pool of candidates is Erin G. Bray, Michael J. VanDerZee and F.T. Williams.

The applicants are seeking to replace Paul Perez, who announced his retirement as U.S. attorney in March. The U.S. attorney for the Middle District of Florida supervises offices in Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville and Ocala.

Other candidates are A. Brian Albritton, Jeffrey D. Deen, James J. Feder, Adelaide Gonzalez Few, Michael Foley, Cynthia Hawkins, LaTour "L.T." Lafferty, Ken Lawson, David Leibowitz, Dennis Ian Moore, Michael Peacock and John J. Sciortino.

Applications will be reviewed by members of the nominating committee, who will determine how many candidates will be interviewed in early July.

After the interviews, the committee is expected to recommend three finalists to Republican Sen. Mel Martinez.

Martinez will consult with Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson and submit their top pick to the White House for approval.

[Last modified June 20, 2007, 01:33:25]