When the Senate Judiciary Committee took up the confirmation of Wendy Olson to be Idaho's next U.S. Attorney today, the approval came quickly on a voice vote. "There had been lengthy debate about a judicial nomination earlier in the meeting, but there was no debate on Ms. Olson’s nomination," said Erica Chabot, press secretary for committee Chairman Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vermont.  Added Chabot, "We hope the Senate will move quickly to confirm the nomination, but do not know yet when that will occur."

President Obama nominated Olson for the post on March 10; Idaho's entire congressional delegation enthusiastically backed the nomination and pledged to shepherd it to confirmation. Minnick called Olson "an excellent lawyer with a distinguished record of service and legal experience." Said Sen. Mike Crapo, "She knows Idaho and the law." Sen. Jim Risch called her "an excellent choice."