x
Breaking News
More () »

Trump nominates Doug Overbey to be U.S. Attorney

President Donald Trump has nominated state Sen. Doug Overbey, of Maryville, to be the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Tennessee.

President Donald Trump has nominated state Sen. Doug Overbey, of Maryville, to be the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Tennessee.

Overbey, a Republican, is a three-term state senator and chair of the state ethics committee.

Overbey is a senior partner and co-founder of the Robertson Overbey law firm in Knoxville. He received a bachelor's degree from Carson-Newman College in 1976, and received a law degree from the University of Tennessee in 1979.

He represents Blount and Sevier counties in the Tennessee General Assembly.

The White House announced the nomination in a news release Friday.

"Just know that I will endeavor to do my very best to show that the president's confidence in me has not been misplaced," Overbey told 10News.

His nomination must be confirmed by the Senate.

East Tennessee politicians praised the nomination.

Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, of Oak Ridge, said Overeby "has been one of the most valuable and respected members of the General Assembly for many years."

"He has shown true leadership on some of the most important issues that confront our legislature. His commitment to representing his constituents and producing quality legislation is unwavering," McNally said. "We will miss his unique perspective and wealth of knowledge in the Senate but I know he will do an outstanding job as U.S. Attorney."

Tennessee's two U.S. Senators also issued statements of support for the nomination Friday.

“Doug Overbey is an outstanding choice to serve Tennesseans as U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District,” Sen. Bob Corker said. “Doug has had a distinguished law career, spanning nearly four decades, and has served the Volunteer State honorably in the state legislature. I thank President Trump for choosing such a well-qualified individual for this important position and am proud to recommend Doug to my colleagues for confirmation.”

Sen. Lamar Alexander said he hopes the Senate will "quickly consider" the nomination of his fellow Maryvillian.

“I’ve known Doug for a long time – and I know that Tennessee will be well-served by a man of such good character. Doug is a lifelong East Tennessean and has dedicated his life to service," Alexander said. "I have no doubt Doug will serve East Tennesseans well."

Before You Leave, Check This Out