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WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Barack Obama has named the man he wants to serve as the U.S. attorney in the Southern District of Illinois.

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin announced Wednesday Obama has nominated Stephen Wigginton for the post. If approved by the Senate, Wigginton would replace A. Courtney Cox, who has been serving as U.S. attorney since 2007.

According to Durbin, Wigginton is a partner in the Belleville law firm of Weilmuenster & Wigginton.

He also has served as a part-time prosecutor for the Madison County state's attorney's office.

Durbin said because of Wigginton's 20 years of civil and criminal legal experience, he will bring "a strong work ethic and great depth of knowledge to the position of U.S. attorney."

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