Wichita ? President Barack Obama has nominated a northeast Kansas lawyer to serve as the state’s top federal prosecutor.

The nomination of Barry R. Grissom as U.S. attorney was announced Wednesday.

Grissom has a solo law practice in Overland Park, specializing in employment discrimination.

He was recommended for the federal post by Gov. Mark Parkinson and U.S. Rep. Dennis Moore, both Democrats.

Grissom’s appointment must be confirmed by the Senate.

Kansas has not had a permanent U.S. attorney since Eric Melgren resigned in 2008 to take a federal judgeship. Lanny Welch has been serving as interim U.S. attorney since last May.

Grissom has a bachelor’s degree from Kansas University.

He received his law degree in 1981 from the University of Oklahoma.

He was an adviser for Moore in his first two congressional campaigns.