Reid adviser to be nominated for federal post

WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama said Wednesday that he planned to nominate a top adviser to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to serve as a commissioner on the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.

Mark P. Wetjen, a former Las Vegan who has been counsel and senior policy adviser to Reid since 2004, would replace Democrat Michael Dunn on the commission. Dunn's term expires in June.

The commission is an independent federal agency that regulates futures trading in agricultural products, cattle, oil and other commodities .

The agency is finalizing rules included in the Wall Street reform law, which passed last year.

Reid, D-Nev., issued a statement endorsing Wetjen's nomination .

"While I am sorry that he will be leaving my staff, I am confident that his dedication, talent and drive will be an asset to the commission," Reid said.

Wetjen, an Iowa native who was a lawyer in Las Vegas before joining Reid's staff, must be confirmed by the Senate.