Dugan: ‘My personal preference for U.S. attorney is Joshua Marquis’

Deschutes County District Attorney Mike Dugan told PolitickerOR.com on Wednesday that he was not interested in pursuing the nomination for U.S. Attorney in Oregon, but that he had a good idea of whom would be a good fit for the job.

“My personal preference is Joshua Marquis,” Dugan said in a voicemail. “Joshua knows a lot about the criminal law system and the federal system. He is a very loyal person and will do what the government of the United States asks him to do. He’ll also do his best to make sure the desires of Mr. Obama become Oregon’s.”

Clatsop County District Attorney Josh Marquis told PolitickerOR.com on Tuesday that he was interested in taking on the position of Oregon’s highest ranked law enforcement official, but that he knew it was going to be a long process before the administration came up with the person they wanted to succeed current U.S. Attorney Karin Immergut.

The U.S. Attorney is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the President, but is usually recommended by the state’s senator. That means that as President-elect Obama takes control of the executive branch in Washington, D.C., U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden will play a major role in selecting the state’s next U.S. Attorney.

Dugan’s name has been floated as a potential candidate for the position, but he says that while he is honored that some would consider him for the position, he is happy in his current job and not pursuing the appointment. But what if he was called upon to take on the role?

“Somebody once said, ‘I am not campaigning and will not campaign. If I am appointed I will serve with distinction,’” Dugan said. “If I am appointed? We’ll cross that bridge when it comes.”