A Washington Post report says that President Bush is planning to nominate Deborah Tate and renominate Michael Copps to the FCC. Tate's name has been circulating in the rumor mill for the position since July.
Since the departure of Chairman Michael Powell, the FCC Commissioners have been split evenly with two Republicans and two Democrats filling the seats. Adding Republican Tate would temporarily make that count 3-2 for Republicans, but the balance of power will be equalized again later this year when Republican Commissioner Kathleen Abernathy steps down. Her term has technically expired, but she can serve until Congress adjourns this year.
Earlier today, FMQB cited a Reuters report that U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Stevens was seeking another candidate for the Bush administration to consider for the Republican vacancy on the FCC. It is not known if he would continue that search to fill the Abernathy slot.
The Alaska Republican ruled out his chief of staff, Lisa Sutherland, as a possible candidate because she "doesn't want to leave," Stevens said. He had previously backed his deputy staff director Christine Kurth for the job, but she withdrew due to potential conflicts of interest. Stevens had also recommended his former aide Earl Comstock, but Comstock withdrew after concerns emerged about his household employee's visa.
"I'm looking for a nominee and I hope to find one that maybe they'll consider," Stevens told reporters, according to Reuters. "We haven't gotten one yet."
Meanwhile, the even division of Republicans and Democrats has complicated things for FCC Chairman Kevin Martin. He has been unable to reach an agreement with the Democrats to start a review of media ownership rules.
