Second woman in state history earns US Attorney recommendation

Although she’s not quite a household name yet, Stephanie Rose has already made a name for herself in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Iowa. And, if U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin’s recommendation translates to confirmation by the U.S. Senate, she’ll become only the second woman in Iowa history to serve as a Senate-confirmed U.S. Attorney.

Rose is quick to point out that, in addition to Roxanne Conlin, the state’s first Senate-confirmed woman to serve as a U.S. Attorney in the Southern District, another woman served briefly at the helm of the Northern District Office. Judi Whetstine, a First Assistant U.S. Attorney under Charles Larson, Sr., was initially appointed as acting U.S. Attorney when Larson retired. Shortly after receiving that appointment, Whetstine announced her own retirement and was not confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

“It’s very exciting,” Rose told Iowa Independent by telephone Friday afternoon. “If Pres. Barack Obama agrees with Sen. Harkin’s recommendation, I look forward to the confirmation process. After that, I look forward to leading the Office for the Northern District of Iowa.”

Rose, who graduated from the University of Iowa with both her undergraduate and law degree, began working in the Northern District Office in 1996. Her first assignment was as a law clerk. Within a year, however, she was promoted to the position of Special Assistant U.S. Attorney. Two years later she became an Assistant U.S. Attorney and she has, since last year, been serving as Deputy Criminal Chief.

“As a 12-year attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Ms. Rose has demonstrated great intellect and judgment, leadership and strength of character, and commitment to the unique role and responsibilities of U.S. Attorney,” Harkin said. “She has the right combination of experience and integrity to bring effective leadership and justice to the Northern District.”

As a prosecutor, Rose has served as lead counsel in more than 260 criminal felony cases and as associate counsel in over 50 federal cases. She has argued before the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals 34 times, and earned national recognition within the U.S. Department of Justice as one of the nation’s leading prosecutors of illegal internet pharmacy cases.

“Given her long tenure in the office, she is particularly well suited to serve as the chief administrator,” Harkin added. “She is acutely aware of the office’s current strengths and weaknesses, and she will have the credibility to bring about needed changes.”

Harkin’s recommendation of Rose has been sent to the White House. If the Obama administration agrees, a notice will be sent to the U.S. Senate of Rose’s nomination for the position. Both of Iowa’s Senators will have opportunity to file paperwork in relation to the nomination and then a Senate subcommittee can begin the confirmation process.

If confirmed, Rose will replace Matt Dummermuth, an attorney recommended by Sen. Chuck Grassley and appointed by Pres. George W. Bush in January 2007. Although nominated by the Bush administration in Dec. 2008, Dummermuth has never faced Senate confirmation.