President Trump nominates Bart Davis as U.S. Attorney for Idaho

President Trump announced on Thursday that he is nominating Idaho state Senate Majority Leader Bart Davis, R-Idaho Falls, as the new U.S. Attorney for Idaho. Davis is an Idaho Falls attorney who has served in the Senate for the past 19 years, including the past 15 years as Senate majority leader. He holds degrees from Brigham Young University and the University of Idaho College of Law.

Davis had been rumored to be a leading candidate for the position; former U.S. Attorney Wendy Olson stepped down in February to allow President Trump to make his own appointment. She joined a Boise law firm.

Davis was one of nine U.S. Attorney nominees Trump announced Thursday afternoon, including Kurt Alme in Montana. In a news release, the White House said, “These candidates share the president’s vision for ‘Making America Safe Again.’ ”

Idaho Senate President Pro-Tem Brent Hill, R-Rexburg, said, “I think Sen. Davis is an excellent choice, and I’m glad that the administration has gone through their vetting process and made this decision. We will miss him greatly in the Idaho state Senate.” In Davis’ 19 years there, Hill said, “He’s kind of been the glue that holds things together.” He added, “We’re excited for him.”

In the Idaho Senate, Davis has built a reputation as an aficionado of all laws and rules, even the most obscure; he’s also known as a wit.

Davis, 62, was born in Rapid City, South Dakota, but grew up in Idaho Falls, where he graduated from Idaho Falls High School in 1973. He and his wife, Marion, had six children, five of whom are still living; they have 14 grandchildren.

Idaho Sens. Mike Crapo and Jim Risch both had high praise for Davis as the pick.