Collins was the first House member to back Trump for president, and he appeared on news shows dozens of times to boost the GOP candidate.

So when Trump won, Collins — a businessman-turned-politician like the new president — won an unusual amount of influence. Trump called on him for help in filling political positions, including the open slots for U.S. attorney and a federal judge in Buffalo.

"I expect these nominations to start off on a new page with our new Congress and newly elected president," Collins said after Trump's election.

Collins quickly started talking up John Sinatra Jr. as a possible nominee for the judgeship.

"John Sinatra Jr. is a good attorney with a great legal mind," said Minkel, Collins' spokeswoman. "His resume and background speak for itself, and he has strong support in the community."

In July, the Trump administration sent a list of likely judicial appointments to New York's two U.S. senators, who are both Democrats and who would have the power to block any nominee they didn't like.