With Star Tribune staff writer Randy Furst:
The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday cleared the nomination of Twin Cities attorney Andrew Luger to become the next U.S. attorney for Minnesota.
Luger was nominated by President Obama in November on the recommendation of U.S. Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken, both Minnesota Democrats.
Though the White House has battled Senate Republicans on executive branch and judicial nominees, it appears that Luger's confirmation could go up for a vote in the full Senate in the coming days or weeks.
Klobuchar doesn't know when a vote will occur, but said she will press Senate leaders to bring it up as soon as possible. "I am going to try to do everything to expedite it," Klobuchar said after the vote.
In light of the committee action on a voice vote usually reserved for non-controversial measures, Congressional watchers predict an open path for Luger.
"I think it will be very fast," said University of Richmond law professor Carl Tobias, an expert on the federal appointment process.
Tobias noted the consent of Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley, the ranking Republican on the committee. "That shows Grassley appreciates this appointment needs to be made," Tobias said.
