The U.S. Senate confirmed Wendy Olson as the next U.S. attorney for Idaho in a unanimous vote Tuesday.  Olson was picked by a panel formed by Rep. Walt Minnick, nominated by President Barack Obama, and backed by all of Idaho’s members of Congress.

Olson has worked in the U.S. attorney’s office for more than a decade, and replaces U.S. Attorney Tom Moss, who was appointed by former President George W. Bush.

Idaho’s congressional delegation issued a news release commending Olson.  “I supported her nomination and am pleased that she has been confirmed by the U.S. Senate,” said Sen. Jim Risch. “I also want to recognize the distinguished service of Tom Moss, the outgoing Idaho U.S. attorney.  For the past decade Tom has been a strong advocate of the justice system and working with local governments and the state in prosecuting gang members.”

“Ms. Olson has a distinguished track record of service already in the Idaho U.S. attorney’s office and I am confident she will be a strong advocate for law enforcement in Idaho,” Sen. Mike Crapo said.

“Wendy Olson’s confirmation is great news for our state,” said Minnick.  “Her distinguished record and personal integrity make her an excellent choice.”

"Wendy will continue Idaho’s tradition of first-rate US attorneys, including her predecessor, Mr. Tom Moss,” Rep. Mike Simpson said.  “Wendy has exceptional qualifications and I am confident she will excel in this new role as well.”  Before joining the U.S. attorney’s office in 1997, Olson was a legal professor at George Washington University, and also worked for the civil rights division of the U.S. Department of Justice.

In her post, Olson will become the chief federal law enforcement officer in the state, and serve under Attorney General Eric Holder.

Read more about Olson's appointment at Crapo's website.