Clatsop County District Attorney Josh Marquis told PolitickerOR.com on Tuesday that he would be interested in being Oregon’s next U.S. Attorney, but was not waiting on the edge of his seat for the appointment.

“It’s Senator Wyden’s recommendation and it’s a process that’s going to take several months,” Marquis said.

Marquis was very deferential to the selection process, which he said involved several highly qualified candidates and was an important decision for Oregon’s senior Senator, as well as its junior Senator-elect, Jeff Merkley. But he did confirm that he wanted to be one of those candidates.

“Yes,” he said. “I am interested in being the U.S. Attorney.”

Marquis had been on a shortlist to become U.S. Attorney in 2000, but after President Bush narrowly edged Al Gore in the presidential race, Marquis was left to wait for a Democratic president to return to power.

With President-elect Barack Obama’s victory earlier in the month, this administration may be Marquis’ chance.

EARLIER on PolitickerOR.com: Who will be Oregon's next U.S. Attorney?