WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama late Wednesday nominated Charlotte lawyer Thomas Gray Walker - again - to become U.S. attorney for North Carolina's Eastern District.

If confirmed, Walker would replace George Holding, a Republican nominated by former President George W. Bush.

Walker, first nominated in 2009, is supported by both of North Carolina's U.S. senators, but they have said Holding should finish his corruption investigations into prominent Democrats.

Holding dropped his investigation into former North Carolina's Gov. Mike Easley after Easley pleaded guilty to a felony. But a probe into former presidential candidate John Edwards continues.