Law and Justice
(2009-09-24)
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Seattle attorney Jenny Durkan, nominee for U.S. Attorney for Western Washington.
President Obama nominated the Seattle attorney in May. With the judiciary committee's endorsement, Durkan's final hurdle is a vote of the full Senate, one she's expected to clear. Cheering the news is Kate Pflaumer, who held the post under President Clinton.
"I think it's the best legal job in America, not excluding Attorney General or head of the any of the agencies. I think U.S. Attorney has the most influence in ability to change policies," Pflaumer says. The post is responsible for prosecuting criminal and civil cases and defending federal agencies in court. Even with those parameters, Pflaumer says there are many ways to approach the work.
"It can be a community job, with various initiatives. It can be a national policy job, going to Washington and talking with national leaders. It can be running the office, an administrative job. And finally, the lawyer job; if you have time, you can actually try cases." Pflaumer says she's spoken with Durkan about the job, and says the nominee is interested in trying cases.
Durkan is a Seattle native, a graduate of Notre Dame and the University of Washington School of Law. She's served as legal counsel to Governor Chris Gregoire. Durkan represented her in the high-profile case to defend Gregoire's slim election victory over Dino Rossi in 2004. She has the support of brothers Mike and John McKay, who held the job under Republican presidents. If confirmed, Durkan would likely be the first openly gay U.S. Attorney. She and her partner live in Seattle. Gary Davis, KPLU News, Seattle.
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