If Graham formally nominates Judge Reginald Lloyd, 38, for the post, Lloyd would become the first black man since Reconstruction to become South Carolina's top federal prosecutor.

Graham's office declined to confirm that Lloyd is the senator's pick or to say when an announcement might be made. But other sources say Lloyd is gaining ground over two previously assumed front-runners: Walt Wilkins, a nephew of newly appointed Canadian Ambassador David Wilkins of Greenville, and Charleston lawyer Matt Hubbell, a former assistant federal prosecutor. Wilkins and Hubbell are white.

Francis Marion University political scientist Neil Thigpen said nominating Lloyd for the post would fall in line with Graham's very public assertions that the Republican Party needs to be more open in embracing blacks and Hispanics.

During last year's state GOP convention, Graham urged delegates not to alter what they believe in "but the way we look."

"He spoke long and loud for the Republican Party to broaden its base and attract black support," Thigpen said.

Lloyd was elected by the Legislature to the bench in 2003 to represent an at-large circuit court judicial seat, extending what many saw as a stellar legal career. During the mid-1990s, he worked for former Republican Attorney General Charlie Condon, helping with the state's legal fight to do away with video gambling.

Condon said Tuesday that Lloyd has an excellent reputation and keen legal mind and that he actively recruited Lloyd from Kershaw County to work in his office.

"He exceeded all expectations," Condon said.

Lloyd was born in Camden, graduated from Winthrop University in 1989 and received his law degree from the University of South Carolina in 1993.

Veteran black lawmaker state Rep. Seth Whipper, D-North Charleston, said Lloyd would be a good pick -- and not just because of the historical significance.

"He's smart. He's ethical. He's well respected among his legal peers," Whipper said. "He'll probably be U.S. attorney for a long time."

If the nomination goes through, Lloyd would be the first black person in the last century to be named permanent U.S. attorney for South Carolina. U.S. District Judge Margaret Seymour, who is black, twice served on an interim basis.

President Bush officially nominates all U.S. attorney selections, but the candidate's name is traditionally forwarded by the senior senator of the party in power, which in this case is Graham. The U.S. Senate must then confirm any appointment.

Since January, the job of U.S. attorney has been held on an interim basis by Johnny Gasser after Strom Thurmond Jr. stepped down.

REGINALD I. LLOYD

-- Age: 38

-- Hometown: Camden

-- Current: At-large circuit court judge in Columbia, elected by the Legislature in 2003

-- Education: Winthrop University, B.A., 1989; University of South Carolina School of Law, 1993

-- Family: Married to Melissa Vickie Cooke; one son