Luger Confirmed As Minnesota's Next US Attorney
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Senate on Wednesday confirmed former federal prosecutor Andy Luger as the next U.S. attorney for Minnesota.
Luger, an experienced litigator who is now in private practice, said he expects to join the U.S. Attorney's Office in the next couple of days.
"I am looking forward to working with the extraordinarily talented lawyers and staff members at the U.S. Attorney's Office," he said. He thanked U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar for her "heroic efforts to make this confirmation happen."
Klobuchar and Sen. Al Franken recommended Luger for the post in July, and he was nominated by President Barack Obama in November.
In recent years, Luger has been tapped to lead several independent investigations. Among them, he reviewed how law enforcement treated protesters at the 2008 Republican National Convention. In 2009, he was appointed to lead an investigation that uncovered a series of problems with the Metro Gang Strike Force, ultimately recommending that it be disbanded.
"Throughout his distinguished career, Andy has demonstrated a commitment to justice and his experience makes him well-qualified to serve as our U.S. Attorney," Klobuchar said in a statement Wednesday. "With ongoing terrorism, drug, and financial fraud investigations and cases pending, the hard-working men and women in the Minnesota U.S. Attorney's office deserve a full-time leader and they now have one."
Franken added: "I believe the legal experience and know-how that Andy brings to the table will greatly benefit Minnesotans, and I have no doubt that he'll make a great U.S. Attorney."
Luger is currently a partner at Greene Espel. Before joining the firm in 1996, he spent seven years prosecuting organized crime, drug and white collar cases as an assistant U.S. attorney for Minnesota and New York.
He succeeds B. Todd Jones, who is now director of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
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