If history is any guide, some of the first appointments President-elect Obama will make in his administration will be for United States Attorney. Both Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush replaced most U.S. Attorneys appointed by the opposing party shortly after they took office.  

U.S. Attorneys are the highest-ranking federal law enforcement officials in their districts, and they represent the United States government in criminal and civil cases. There are 93 U.S. Attorneys stationed in judicial districts across the United States and various territories.

These high-profile legal positions are often stepping-stones to higher office. Notable politicians who once served as U.S. Attorney include former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani and Gov. Janet Napolitano (D-Ariz.).

These presidential appointees serve at a president's discretion. They are nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate. Texas has four U.S. Attorneys, each serving in a different geographic district (northern, southern, western and eastern).

Ron Woods and Gaynelle Griffin Jones served as U.S. Attorneys for the Southern District of Texas under Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton respectively.

"The pool is the same for both parties," Woods said. Any lawyer can submit their name to be considered a U.S. attorney.  Many appointees have previously served in the United States Justice Department. Others have worked in law enforcement or the judiciary at a more local level. 

According to Woods and Jones, when the president and senator from a state are from the same political party, it is customary for the senator to make a recommendation to the president.

For example, Woods said U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Dallas) had a committee that reviewed potential applicants. She and U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-San Antonio) interviewed finalists before making a joint recommendation to President George W. Bush.

The president typically appoints the recommended candidate.

Because Texas does not have a Democratic senator, the Democratic Congressional delegation will likely fulfill that role. Woods said individual Democratic congressmen made recommendations to President Clinton for the U.S. Attorneys in their districts.

"Where there is no senator in the state from the party of the president, there can be a number of approaches," Jones said.

The state's highest ranking Democrat, such as governor, could make the recommendation, she said, or the congressional delegates could get together and submit a name.  

Jones never had to confront that situation. U.S. Sen. Bob Krueger, a Democrat appointed by Gov. Ann Richards, nominated her. She began serving in 1993.