Troy Eid, Gov. Bill Owens’ former counsel, has asked that his name be withdrawn from consideration as candidate for U.S. Attorney for the District of Colorado.

Citing a too-long selection process that has taken a toll on work and family, a second candidate dropped out of contention for Colorado U.S. attorney. “I would simply say the process has taken too long,” Troy Eid, former counsel to Gov. Bill Owens, said Thursday. “It has affected my family and clients, and I think it’s the best move.”

Eid now works for Greenberg Traurig, the law firm tied to the Jack Abramoff – Michael Scanlon scandal. Also, his wife Allison Eid, currently Colorado Solicitor General, is one of those being considered for two very high judgeships, one on the Colorado Supreme Court and one on the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals.

I think Eid make the correct decision because of the potential for conflicts of interest if his wife is named a judge.

Since former District Attorney Stu VanMeveren dropped out in December, there is only one candidate left: former Arapahoe County District Attorney Jim Peters.

With two of three candidates no longer interested in the job, Conway said the Bush administration will likely want additional nominees to consider. As Colorado’s senior senator, Allard submits names for consideration.

I hope some more people apply for the job. It is disappointing that the job is a political plum rather than awarded to someone with relevant experience, particularly in the federal system.

For those unfamiliar with how it works, here’s a quick primer. The U.S. Attorney is appointed by the President, based on recommendations from the state’s senators. Almost without exception, the appointee is from the President’s political party. When a new President is elected, we get new U.S. Attorneys.

There are a several career prosecutors in the U.S. Attorney’s office in Denver who would be excellent choices for the top job. Many are Republicans. It’s a shame that they might not be considered because they haven’t been politically active .