In March 2001, the senior senator for Maine, Olympia Snowe, recommended Silsby for the post of U.S. Attorney. However, Silsby's name was never forwarded by the White House to the Senate. Instead, she was appointed U.S. Attorney on an interim basis by Attorney General John Ashcroft.
Senator Olympia Snowe recommended Silsby for the role of U.S. Attorney in March 2001. Nevertheless, her name was not forwarded by the White House to the Senate. She was subsequently appointed U.S. Attorney on an interim basis by Attorney General John Ashcroft.