Montana reporter informed Baucus's office that paper planned to report that he had nominated Hanes.

This was back in March...

Posted by Jodi Rave of Buffalos Fire website:

Buffalosfire.com:

As a reporter who covered the story here in Montana for Lee Enterprises, I have a different perspective about why Hanes and Baucus jointly agreed to withdraw her name. I talked to Hanes and to Baucus spokesman about the relationship the senator had with Hanes, his state director. I had also talked with the Hanes’ husband. I had also interviewed all the candidates — and then some — about the U.S. attorney selection process in Montana. It was clear as day that Baucus had nominated her. I called the senator’s spokesman and told him we were going to finally print the story in the Missoulian, after a few delays. Within what seemed like minutes, K Barrett Kaiser sent an email to the newsroom and said that Hanes “was NOT” a candidate. We ran the news story without any mention of the affair. At the time, Baucus would not admit he had indeed nominated her. But, after a process of elimination, it was obvious that he did. Read an excerpt of the story.