The Undecider has decided against nominating Noel Hillman

In an abrupt about-face, President Bush has decided against nominating Noel Hillman, a veteran prosecutor and now federal judge in Camden, to the seat on the 3d U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that was held by Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito Jr.
Hillman, a former assistant U.S. attorney in New Jersey and the lead Justice Department prosecutor in the Jack Abramoff Capitol Hill lobby ing scandal, had full White House support and the backing of New Jersey Democratic Sens. Robert Menendez and Frank Lautenberg, and had successfully completed his FBI background check several months ago. But suddenly things changed.

http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/week_2007_05_13.php#014114

"He is out," one knowledgeable source told The Auditor. The source added it had nothing to do with Hillman's qualifications, his ethics or his ability to do the job.

Hillman confirmed the news. He said the speculation about his possible elevation to the court of appeals was "flattering," adding he now has "every confidence that our president will choose someone for the current va cancy worthy of his trust, worthy of the position, and worthy of Senate confirmation."

The reason for dropping Hillman remains a mystery, and both Hillman and the folks at 1600 Pennsylvania are staying mum. But speculation abounds, with some believing a skittish White House was concerned about the possibility that Hillman's Senate confirmation hearing could become an inquisition into the behind-the-scenes operations of the Justice Department.