Who's In Line To Replace Michael Powell? Many industry observers believe Republican Commissioner Kevin Martin will take over as Chairman of the FCC now that Michael Powell announced Friday that he will resign from his position and exit in March. Those predicting Martin's ascension to the commission's leadership post say it's easier to promote a sitting commissioner than win Senate approval for an outsider.
Powell took over for former FCC Commissioner Bill Kennard under similar circumstances. Furthermore, Martin worked on President Bush's first election campaign and Martin's wife currently works for First Lady Laura Bush. Of Powell's departure, Martin said, "Over the last four years, I have been impressed by his tireless efforts to promote the nation's communications industry. The country has been well-served by his enthusiasm, dedication and engaging manner. He will be sorely missed by everyone here."
Fellow Republican Kathleen Abernathy could also be a candidate for the chairmanship, but some say she hasn't taken the necessary steps to win the Senate's favor. For her part, Abernathy told R&R, "It's all in the capable hands of the White House." Other names mentioned as successors to Powell include former Texas Public Utilities Commission head Rebecca Klein and Commerce Department Asst. Secretary/Communications & Information Michael Gallagher.
Commissioner Michael Copps' tenure will also expire this year, and there is talk that incoming Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Stevens would like to appoint Washington, DC attorney Earl Comstock, who worked as Stevens' chief counsel and legislative director from 1992-1997, to the commission.http://www.radioandrecords.com/NewsRoom/2005_01_21/Top