Here is a quick analysis, entirely my own, of what yesterday's election
results will mean for the FCC.
First and foremost, Kevin Martin will no longer be Chairman (hooray!)
once President-elect Obama takes office. A new Chairman, a Democrat,
will be appointed by the incoming President.
Republican Commissioner Tate's term expired on June 30, 2007 and her
reappointment is also still pending confirmation, which is unlikely at
this point (again, hooray!). The newest member of the FCC, Robert
McDowell, is another Republican whose term expires June 30, 2009.
While Martin's term as a Commissioner does not expire until 2011, he is
very unlikely to remain at the FCC once he is no longer Chairman. (He is
expected to return to North Carolina to seek elective office.) Thus the
incoming President should have the opportunity, in short order, to
appoint two Republicans as well as a Democrat. Appointments as
Commissioners are subject to Senate confirmation, which should not be
difficult.
As for the two Democrats, Adelstein's most recent term actually expired
on June 30, 2008; his reappointment is still pending confirmation.
Copps's term runs through 2010.
There has been speculation that Adelstein might be appointed Chairman,
but it could be Copps or the new Democratic appointee.
Telecommunications was not a top priority during the campaign, and most
of the names that have been mentioned as influencing Obama's
telecommunications policy are familiar from the Clinton administration.
Dave Sumner, K1ZZ
