WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House says President Barack Obama is waiting until after the midterm election to nominate an attorney general.

The president's team is preparing for the prospect of trying to push through a nominee in the end-of-year session, although a final decision on timing has not yet been made. Senate Democrats have asked Obama to wait so the nomination does not become a campaign issue.

The delay also gives Obama more time to consider his options. A White House official told The Associated Press Tuesday that Obama hasn't yet decided whom he wants to replace Eric Holder, who announced his resignation last month.

The official spoke on a condition of anonymity because this person was not authorized to speak publicly on this subject.