The appointment of a new attorney general in Virginia is almost upon us, as the governor and attorney general seek to expand the powers of the state’s highest office.

The appointment of Virginia’s new attorney, Richard Cordray, is the culmination of a months-long process in which state lawmakers, a governor and the attorney general are pushing to fill the top legal job.

As of Tuesday, the attorney generals had until Sept. 3 to submit their nominations.

If they fail to make it to the governor’s desk by that deadline, the legislature could choose to adjourn and call another special session.

Cordray was named attorney general on Jan. 10, and his nomination was approved by the Senate in February.

At the time, Cordray said he would not be a “political appointee” but would instead seek to improve public safety and fight terrorism.

Corker said Tuesday that he was “extremely confident” that Cordray would make a great attorney general, and said he had already called for him to be confirmed by the full Senate.

Carpenter said he believes Cordray will “do a good job” at prosecuting criminals, and he said the attorney has experience representing victims of crime.

“He’s been on the bench, he’s seen crime cases in Virginia and he’s been able to hold his ground and defend the justice system,” Carpenter said.

Cordesays nomination comes as lawmakers, led by Senate President Peter Courtney, have called for changes to the Virginia public defender system, including changing the system’s charter so that a public defender can be appointed by the governor.

Calls for more funding for public defenders have intensified in recent months amid growing concern over the statewide shortage of attorneys.

Cords nomination was endorsed by the American Bar Association, the American Society of Trial Advocates and the American Civil Liberties Union.