Reid talks with Obama about courthouse security, nomination

Sen. Harry Reid spoke Tuesday with President Barack Obama about funding for courthouse security and a nomination for U.S. marshal for Nevada.

Reid spokesman Jon Summers said the late afternoon telephone conversation included Reid highlighting the importance of more funding for projects through the Court Security Improvement Act of 2007.

"The Appropriations Committee has put more than $452 million into court security, but we can do more," Summers said.

Reid also spoke about the importance of completing the nomination of Lt. Christopher Hoye as U.S. marshal for Nevada. Hoye would replace current Marshal Gary Orton, who was appointed by President George W. Bush in 2006.

According to biographical highlights from Reid's office, Hoye served for more than 10 years with the Metropolitan Police Department, was a police officer of the year and received bachelor's degrees in business management from the University of Phoenix and Arizona State University.

In 2003, Hoye resigned his seat on the Las Vegas Housing Authority at the request of Mayor Oscar Goodman.

News reports from the time stated that the housing authority had received an inspector general's report from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development that was critical of board members. It was also determined that Hoye did not live within the city limits of Las Vegas, a requirement for the position.

Summers said White House officials are aware of the resignation. "The White House as far as the vetting process has had a discussion with him about it," Summers said.