Myhre to continue in interim position

Acting U.S. Attorney Steve Myhre will continue to serve as chief federal prosecutor in Nevada for four months as federal agents continue investigating possible candidates for the position.

The U.S. attorney general's office made Myhre interim U.S. attorney for the Nevada district, meaning he will lead the department for 120 days or until President Bush makes an appointment.

Myhre was named acting U.S. attorney on March 1 after Daniel Bogden was fired from the post earlier in the year.

The firing of Bogden and six other U.S. attorneys around the country triggered a controversy that led to the resignation of Attorney General Alberto Gonzales in August.

Political leaders attacked Gonzales after he failed to explain the reason behind the unexpected terminations. Democrats claimed Gonzales acted on behalf of Republicans, who wanted to assign allies to head the U.S. attorneys offices

Sources recently confirmed that FBI agents were conducting a background check on former Nevada Assemblyman Greg Brower. The check indicates Brower, 43, may be in line for the post permanently. He now is general counsel for the Government Printing Office.

Bogden, who had led the U.S. attorney's office for five years before being terminated, turned down an offer to serve as a federal judge overseeing immigration cases.

On Monday, the law firm of McDonald Carano Wilson announced that it had hired Bogden. Bogden will split his time between the firm's offices in Las Vegas and Reno.

"We are very proud to have Dan join our law firm," managing partner, George Ogilvie, said in a prepared statement. "Dan brings a wealth of trial experience, knowledge of federal agencies and procedures, and is respected by many national policy makers and members of the judiciary."