LOTT'S THREAT ISN'T SEEN AFFECTING ADELSTEIN APPOINTMENT TO FCC
Industry and congressional observers expressed surprise that Senate Republican Leader Lott (Miss.) threatened to block President Bush’s nomination of Jonathan Adelstein to Democratic seat on FCC. Lott said his plan to place hold on Adelstein’s nomination wasn’t because of Senate’s rejection of Charles Pickering’s appointment to federal appeals court. Instead, he questioned Adelstein’s qualifications, saying he was “relatively young” and didn’t have enough experience, although he’s older than 2 Republican FCC commissioners. Adelstein is 39, turning 40 in Aug., which makes him about 7 months older than Chmn. Powell, who will be 39 March 23. He’s 4 years older than Comr. Martin, who turned 35 in Dec. Comr. Abernathy will be 46 in June.
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Supporters of Adelstein, legislative aide to Senate Majority Leader Daschle (D-S.D.), in the long run don’t expect that Lott’s threat will interfere with Daschle’s selection for seat left vacant by former Comr. Gloria Tristani. Daschle spokeswoman said Senate Democratic leadership had no intention of responding in kind with threats to block Republican-backed political nominees. But she emphasized “there are a lot more nominees that they want than we want,” and said she would “assume the Republicans will take a long, hard look at this.” She said it was unfortunate Lott “would lash out at someone totally uninvolved” in Pickering matter, and predicted situation eventually would blow over: “We fully expect Jon to be nominated and confirmed.”
Sen. Dorgan (D-N.D.) expects Lott to “rethink this” threat and believes controversy “will play itself out,” Dorgan spokesman said. Dorgan said Lott’s vow to block Adelstein’s nomination “is out of character” and “just doesn’t sound like Senator Lott,” according to staffer. Sen. Johnson (D-S.D.) also expressed disappointment that Lott “would play such petty politics with an important appointment like this position on the [FCC].” He said Adelstein was “eminently qualified” for seat and described Lott’s opposition as “misguided retribution.” Johnson said nomination was especially important for rural America: “Without his appointment, the concerns of rural citizens will not be heard.”
OPASTCO spokesman agreed Adelstein’s credentials “speak for themselves” and said association “strongly supports” his nomination: “We have a vacancy at the Commission… and Jon is the right person to fill it.” Precursor Group analyst Scott Cleland said there was growing trend in Washington for nominations to become pawns in “bigger political wars.” Cleland predicted Adelstein eventually would be confirmed because “this has nothing to do with his qualifications as a commissioner and everything to do with Senate politics.”