U.S. Atty. George Holding

In a move that comes as no surprise, Raleigh U.S. Attorney George E.B. Holding announced his resignation Friday, the Raleigh News & Observer reported.

The announcement by the Bush appointee comes in wake of the indictment of twice-presidential hopeful John Edwards. The resignation is effective July 8, the paper reported.

North Carolina’s two senators had agreed to leave Holding in the post until the conclusion of the case to avoid accusations of politics and any attempt to slow the probe.

President Obama has nominated Thomas Walker of Charlotte to be the new U.S. Attorney. He has yet to be confirmed by the Senate.

Holding was appointed to the post by President Bush in 2006.