Tom Wheeler — Federal Communications Commission Chairman
 President Obama's nominee to head the FCC, Tom Wheeler, listens during the announcement of his nomination on Wednesday, May 1, 2013, in the State Dining Room of the White House. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) |
Status: Wheeler is awaiting approval from the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation.
Tom Wheeler is a venture capitalist telecommunications investor and a former lobbyist for the cable industry and cellphone carriers. He’s also a political fundraiser and bundler — in 2008, he raised between $200,000 and $500,000 for candidate Obama and donated $113,550 of his own money, and in 2012, raised more than $500,000. Some have noted that Wheeler’s history as a lobbyist might lead to conflicts of interest, and might mean he would be reluctant to roll up his sleeves and get his hands dirty when it comes to regulating his former associates. But other media reform advocates have endorsed Wheeler, pointing to pro-regulation blog posts he authored. Some point out that this is likely to be Wheeler’s last job — he will not be looking to play it safe with business interests that might later hire him. Telecommunications policy expert Susan Crawford, who discussed the need for media reform with Bill earlier this year, signed a letter supporting Wheeler. Wheeler is unlikely to be confirmed by the Senate before Republicans nominate someone to fill the FCC seat vacated in March by Republican commissioner Robert McDowell. The White House hasn’t put forth a Republican name for the seat, and the GOP hasn’t suggested one. Some estimate that the process of picking a Republican nominee and getting both nominees confirmed could take months. |
