Speculation about replacement for FCC Chmn. Kennard continues. A...

January 19, 2001 |Miscellaneous

Speculation about replacement for FCC Chmn. Kennard continues. Among latest rumors: (1) One telecom source speculated Thurs. that Bush might name Republican Comr. Powell interim FCC chairman while also appointing Texas PUC Chmn. Pat Wood to Commission. Under this scenario, Powell would eventually move to high antitrust enforcement post in administration, allowing Wood to take over as FCC chairman. Besides role in Dept. of Justice, source said, Powell could become new FTC chairman, replacing Clinton appointee Robert Pitofsky. Source also speculated that Republican Comr. Furchtgott-Roth would leave Commission soon, opening another seat for Bush nominee. (2) Another source said one of FCC’s Democratic seats may be filled by Ivan Schlager, former Democrat staff dir. on Senate Commerce Committee and now at Skadden, Arps, at request of Sen. Hollings (D-S.C.), ranking minority member of Committee.