Local U.S. District Attorney Thomas E. Johnston is getting a promotion to a federal bench from President Bush.

Before it's official, Johnston will need confirmation from the Senate.

President Bush is asking Johnston to take over a vacant federal judges bench in southern West Virginia.

In a statement today, Johnston said, "I am honored and humbled by this nomination. I sincerely thank President Bush for selecting me to be nominated for a position so important to our system of justice."

Johnston would replace U.S. District Judge Charles Haden who died in March 2004.

Only four years ago the President nominated Johnston to his current position.

Right now, Johnston is in charge of criminal investigations, anti-terrorism and represents the government in civil suits.

Johnston successfully prosecuted nearly 20 people and seized more than a million dollars in cash from the valley's largest cocaine ring.

The high profile bust came after a drug raid in 2004 that came to be known as Stormin Norman after the Elm Grove bar involved in the charges.

It could be a while before the Senate is able to vote. There are several other nominations including the pending nomination replacing U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day-O'Connor.