WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate this evening confirmed Charlotte lawyer Thomas Walker as U.S. Attorney for Eastern District of North Carolina.

He will replace George Holding, the Bush appointee who has overseen investigations into Democratic corruption, which included inquiries into the work of former Gov. Mike Easley and former U.S. Sen. John Edwards.

Walker was approved by unanimous consent as the Senate was wrapping up voting for the day.

U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan, a Greensboro Democrat who forwarded Walker’s name to the White House for consideration, praised the confirmation.

“Mr. Walker is incredibly qualified to serve as the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District," Hagan said in a statement. "His extensive experience includes seven years in the U.S. Attorney’s office. I recommended Mr. Walker to the president because of his excellent credentials, and I am proud the Senate confirmed him unanimously.”

Walker also was supported by U.S. Sen. Richard Burr, a Winston-Salem Republican.

Walker’s confirmation was held up after his nomination because both Hagan and Burr wanted to see Holding complete his inquiries over the past year. Once Edwards was indicted a month ago, they and the Senate Judiciary Committee moved quickly to move his name forward.

Walker is an attorney at Alston & Byrd in Charlotte.