Kennedy may block a marshal nominee

Senator Edward M. Kennedy sent a letter to the White House yesterday urging President George W. Bush to nominate only candidates "of the highest level of professionalism and skill" for the vacant position of US marshal for Massachusetts.

Kennedy has long advocated for professionalizing the US Marshals Service and last year added a provision to the Patriot Act establishing criteria for marshals, including experience in "command-level" management and in the court systems or protecting court personnel.

Yesterday's letter, however, may mean that Kennedy, a Democrat, is preparing to block the expected nomination of Reed V. Hillman , a Republican, to fill the vacant marshal's position in Massachusetts. Hillman's credentials include rising through the ranks of the State Police to become the state's highest ranking officer.

But since retiring from the State Police in 1999, Hillman, 58, has been in politics. He represented Sturbridge in the Legislature for six years and last year ran unsuccessfully for lieutenant governor.

If nominated by Bush, Hillman would need confirmation by the Senate.

The Marshals Service is responsible for securing courthouses and protecting judges, juries, witnesses, and other court officials. It also plays a role in capturing fugitives and transporting prisoners.

Asked if Kennedy intended to try to block Hillman's appointment, spokeswoman Melissa Wagoner declined to comment, adding that the nomination has not been made.

The tone of Kennedy's letter, however, seemed to indicate his willingness to do battle.

"I understand you are currently considering potential nominees for [marshal], and I would like to work with you during this process," Kennedy wrote in his letter to Bush. "It is important for the people to have confidence that political considerations are not unduly affecting law enforcement, and I look forward to hearing from you on how we can work together."

Whether Hillman meets the strict criteria of the Patriot Act is unclear. While his law enforcement experience is extensive and includes management at the highest level, the criteria also calls for experience protecting courts and court personnel.

Hillman declined to comment.

Bush's previous appointee for US marshal in Massachusetts was Anthony Dichio , a former state trooper dismissed by the president for neglect of duty. Former governor Paul Cellucci, a Republican, nominated Dichio, who had spent several years at Cellucci's side as part of a State Police detail assigned to drive the governor to appointments and provide security.

Bush dismissed Dichio in 2005, after the Globe documented his lax work habits and use of his government-owned vehicle for personal errands. Dichio was named to the $130,000-a-year job over the objections of the state's two senators and nine of its 10 House members, all of them Democrats. Critics said Dichio lacked experience in antiterrorism and management.

Earlier this month, US District Court Judge William Young blasted the US Marshals Service as a "second rate" agency because of political patronage appointees and called on Congress to "professionalize" the law enforcement agency.

A White House spokeswoman said the office had not seen the letter and declined to comment.

Sean P. Murphy can be reached at smurphy@globe.com.