Klobuchar, Franken Form US Attorney Search Panel

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — U.S. Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken have formed an advisory committee to lead the search for the next U.S. Attorney for Minnesota.

The committee consists of seven seasoned attorneys, judges and law enforcement professionals. The senators say in a statement that the committee will help them identify the best candidate for the post.

Former Bureau of Criminal Apprehension head Timothy O'Malley will chair the committee. O'Malley is currently a judge with the Office of Administrative Hearings. Other committee members include former U.S. Attorney Thomas Heffelfinger, St. Paul Police Chief Thomas Smith, and Stearns County Attorney Janelle Kendall.

Current U.S. Attorney B. Todd Jones is nominated to become the permanent director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. His confirmation is pending before the U.S. Senate.

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