Bush renominates Adelstein for FCC

President George W. Bush today renominated Jonathan Adelstein to the FCC, virtually assuring the Democrat a full term on the commission.

Adelstein’s appointment still has to be confirmed by the Senate, but Beltway insiders believe that is a mere formality. Adelstein’s appointment is expected to be confirmed as part of package deal that will include about 80 Republican judicial appointments pending during the political stalemate between Bush and Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle (D-S.D.).

When Bush was re-elected and Daschle--Adelstein’s sponsor and former employer--became the first minority leader in 50 years to lose his seat, most political analysts predicted Adelstein would be forced to leave the FCC when his term expired as Congress adjourned from its lame-duck session. But the judicial package was attractive enough to sway Bush to renominate Adelstein, sources said.

"It was part of a game that was much bigger than telecom," Legg Mason telecommunications analyst Blair Levin said. "This is about the institutional relationship between the White House and the Senate minority leader and how they chose to handle it at this time."

Indeed, prior to the election, Republicans and Democrats on the Senate Commerce Committee wrote the White House in support of Adelstein’s reappointment. After the election, rural carrier representatives lobbied heavily for Adelstein’s return to the FCC, noting his knowledge and positions on rural-carrier issues.

Prior to serving as Daschle’s aide, Adelstein was a special liaison for Harry Reid (D-N.C.), who will replace Daschle as Senate Minority Leader.

Adelstein joined the FCC in December 2002 to finish the term of Gloria Tristani. After his appointment is confirmed as expected, Adelstein’s new term will extend until 2008. However, FCC commissioners can continue to serve until Congress adjourns for the year in the calendar year after the official term expires, so Adelstein could remain on the FCC until late 2009.