Pgh US Atty near final approval
WASHINGTON – The Senate Judiciary Committee this morning unanimously approved the nomination of David J. Hickton to be U.S. Attorney of Western Pennsylvania, moving the nomination to the Senate floor.
Mr. Hickton could be confirmed by the full Senate as early as tonight if Democratic and Republican leaders agree on a list of nominees to approve before leaving for August recess.
Mr. Hickton, 54, of Thornburg, was nominated by President Barack Obama in May for a four-year term to succeed Mary Beth Buchanan, who resigned in November to mount an unsuccessful run for Congress. Robert S. Cessar has served as acting U.S. attorney since then.
Mr. Hickton was vetted by the Judiciary Committee’s Republican staff, and the nomination proved uncontroversial. He was approved in a voice vote this morning along with 12 other nominees.
He is a founder of the Pittsburgh lawfirm Burns, White & Hickton and has been active for years in Democratic politics.
As U.S. attorney, Mr. Hickton would be the highest-ranking federal law enforcement officer in Western Pennsylvania. The office prosecutes federal crimes, oversees civil rights investigations and prosecutes and defends the United States in cases in which it is named as a party for 25 counties stretching from Erie to Johnstown.