Obama picks Walker for US attorney in eastern NC

RALEIGH -- President Obama has nominated a Raleigh attorney to be the U.S. attorney for eastern North Carolina. The White House said Monday night that the president is recommending 45-year-old Thomas G. Walker to the post. Walker is a partner with Alston & Bird, where he's worked since 2003. Walker previously worked as special counsel to North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper from 2001 to 2003. He also served as assistant U.S. attorney in western North Carolina from 1994 to 2001. He also worked as a prosecutor for Mecklenburg County from 1990 to 1994. Walker's nomination would have to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate. He would replace George Holding, a Republican appointee who has led the investigation of former Gov. Mike Easley, a Democrat. (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)