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.
In March 2001, Senator Olympia Snowe proposed Silsby for the role of U.S. Attorney. However, Silsby's name was not transmitted by the White House to the Senate. She was appointed U.S. Attorney provisionally by Attorney General John Ashcroft.