Alaska's U.S. Attorney Nelson Cohen - Another Patriot Act Appointment?

JuneauEmpire.com reports:
The recent U.S. attorney scandal could cost the state's chief federal prosecutor, Nelson Cohen, his job because of recently amended legislation that changes how district attorneys are appointed. Alaska's two senators said they are already looking for candidates to replace him.

Cohen was appointed under a provision inserted into the Patriot Act in 2006. It allowed interim U.S. attorney appointments to become permanent without Senate approval.

Eight U.S. attorneys were fired, then replaced under that provision, which was requested by the White House.

As the scandal over the firings unfolded this year, the House and Senate passed bills restoring the previous selection method. Cohen would lose his appointment if the bill is approved, according to a statement from the office of Sen. Ted Stevens, R-Alaska.