Temperature rising on Adelstein renomination controversy

A Senate Commerce Committee matter of only peripheral concern to broadcasters brought broadcasting front and center today. A plea from Committee Chairman John McCain (R-AZ) to play by the traditional rules in regards to a controversial nominee to the Federal Trade Commission inspired Byron Dorgan (D-ND) to inquire where the tradition is when it comes to on-ice renomination effort for FCC Commissioner Jonathan Adelstein.

At issue was the nomination to an FTC Commission seat for Deborah P. Majoras, a Republican up for confirmation along with Democrat Jon D. Leibowitz. McCain wanted to pass each on through the committee's front gate for floor consideration, but received strong opposition from Ron Wyden (D-OR). McCain's plea for observation of tradition led to Dorgan's outburst.

Dorgan said that he had just personally spoken to the White House about the matter - - Adelstein's name was sent to the White House by Minority Leader Tom Daschle (D-SC) way back in February of 2003 - - and received no satisfaction. "There is an arrogance to the White House in refusing to send that nomination to the Senate," he said. "The White House doesn't want to play fair and play by the rules."

Dorgan was backed in this by McCain, and Trent Lott (R-MS) also spoke up in the matter, agreeing that the White House should have acted on this by now..."it defies imagination why this hasn't been done," said Lott. Two letters from Committee members have already gone to the White House on the matter, but McCain said he would try again, this time with signatures from the full bipartisan Committee membership.