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SANTA FE — U.S. Sen. Pete Domenici has four men in mind as possible replacements for outgoing U.S. Attorney David Iglesias.

Domenici on Friday released his recommendations for the presidential appointment. After vetting by the White House, a nominee would have to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

The men, all lawyers, are: Jim Bibb, Glenn Ellington, Charles Peifer and Pat Rogers.

In a statement, Domenici said, "It is my pleasure to recommend four individuals that I believe would serve New Mexico and the nation with distinction as U.S. Attorney for our state. I am familiar with each of them, and I believe that they have the necessary legal backgrounds and right temperaments for the job. I look forward to President Bush's choice."

The names are familiar to many in New Mexico political and legal circles.

Bibb, of Santa Fe, ran unsuccessfully as the Republican candidate for state attorney general last fall against Gary King and has been an assistant U.S. attorney in the past.

Ellington, 45, also of Santa Fe, is a former state Taxation and Revenue Department secretary in private practice with Ellington & Ellington LLC. He's also a former state appellate and district judge.

The office's variety of tasks appeals to him, he said.

"It wouldn't be the same thing every day . . . from homeland security to immigration to representing the government in district court and on appeals," Ellington said.

Peifer has been in private practice for 16 years with Peifer, Hanson and Mullins, and has served as chief assistant attorney general. He said he's honored to be considered.

"For a practicing attorney, it is one of the two best jobs in New Mexico," he said. The other is the attorney general spot, said Peifer, 46.

Rogers, 51, of Albuquerque, is a longtime attorney with Modrall, Sperling, Roehl, Harris and Sisk and has served as chief counsel to the state Republican Party.

He said the other contenders are more suited for the job.

"I have informed people involved in the process that I believe there are several people better qualified than me," he said. "But it is an honor to be considered."

Domenici said he submitted the names in response to a request by the Bush administration.

There's no timeline yet for a new attorney to be named. Iglesias is still on the job, and it's unclear when he will leave it, spokesman Norm Cairns said.

The nation has 93 U.S. attorneys.