Lawrence attorney and longtime Democratic Party worker Dan Watkins has taken his name out of consideration for an appointment by President Barack Obama to U.S. attorney.
“I think it fits best for me to keep doing what I’m doing,” Watkins said Wednesday.
Earlier this month, The Associated Press reported that Watkins, who served last year as Obama’s senior campaign adviser in Kansas, confirmed that he was recommended for the job but that Obama had not yet made a nomination.
But Watkins said Wednesday that the more he considered the job and his current situation, the more it made sense for him to stay put. “I like what I’m doing,” he said.
Watkins is a real estate attorney who also works as a court-appointed receiver for financially troubled companies.
Lawrence attorney Paul Davis, who is the top Democrat in the Kansas House, said the news was surprising because Watkins was really the only name that had surfaced for the job.
“I think Dan would have been an outstanding U.S. attorney, and I’m sorry that he won’t be serving in that capacity,” he said.
Davis said Watkins’ success with his law practice likely factored into his decision.
During the past several years, Watkins also has been a registered lobbyist for gambling interests at the Statehouse.
The U.S. attorney’s office has been headed by a series of temporary replacements since Eric Melgren resigned to take a federal judgeship in the final days of President George W. Bush’s presidency.
Lanny Welch is serving as interim U.S. attorney until the Senate confirms an appointee from Obama.
Because possible candidates who were interested in the job had initially deferred to Watkins, they will likely revisit whether they want to be considered, Davis said.
Comments
WHY 3 years, 8 months ago
Sure, he just changed his mind. Or maybe someone didn't want him anymore because of something they found in the vetting process. LJW, do you want to do a real story???
haggisgirl 3 years, 8 months ago
You obviously don't know Dan or his family. I think it would take a great deal of maturity and personal insight to change your mind before rather than after an appointment. But then again, some people just have to think the worst about others.
patygrl 3 years, 8 months ago
Haggis, bless you. Anyone who knows Dan and the family will respect his choice.
ralphralph 3 years, 8 months ago
Tax troubles?
jimincountry 3 years, 8 months ago
One term pony would be good..............but Obama will survive the Pelosi and Reid debacle. Gawd forbid that then he'll have ACORN people to replace them...........!
Nonsense 3 years, 8 months ago
I hear we are looking for a new DA....
CheneyHawk 3 years, 7 months ago
Politics aside, KU Alum and current interim US Attorney Lanny Welch should have the job.
smitty 3 years, 7 months ago
Rumor is he didn't want to inherit the YH case. lol
smitty 3 years, 7 months ago
Ric Anderson, J-W Staff Writer
May 21, 1991
Flory said he decided to resign on April 16, when he accepted an appointment as an assistant U.S. attorney in Kansas City, Kan. Flory, 42, has been Douglas County district attorney since 1985, and his current term was to expire in January 1993.
"As is customary in such appointments, the offer was conditioned upon approval by the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C., and that final approval was received by the United States attorney just last week," Flory said.
Interesting that Flory's move was announced when he decided to accept the position, quite unlike Watkins consideration for this appointment.
Note that Watkins appointment has been in the news while Washington considers him. However Flory's acceptance and move to that position happened within one week of a controversial justifiable homicide ruling. Flory found it necessary to disclaim any connection between his acceptance and this bogus inquest trial.
My hats off to Watkins for not accepting this political position especially if he had knowledge of his integrity/reputation possibly being co-opted through the KC office's past and present practices.
KC_KUfan 3 years, 7 months ago
Dan has more integrity in his little finger than most people accrue in their lifetimes. I wish there were more like him in politics. The country would be better off if there were.
Best wishes to Dan and his family.
think_about_it 3 years, 7 months ago
He just doesn't have the money in the bank to get his back taxes paid before the nomination.
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