Two Democrats Stir FCC Nomination Fight

Two Senate Democrats said they will oppose White House efforts to reach an accord with GOP lawmakers to fill vacancies at the Federal Communications Commission unless the Clinton administration finds a candidate more sympathetic to rural interests. The opposition surfaced as Senate Commerce Committee Chairman John McCain (R-Ariz.) said he plans to begin confirmation hearings June 4 to fill as many as three vacancies at the agency that oversees the telecommunications industry. The White House has not formally nominated any candidate for the one vacant Republican slot or the two additional slots expected to open up this summer. McCain said Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott (R-Miss.) has submitted the names of Harold Furchgtgott-Roth, an economist on the House Commerce Committee, and Justice Department lawyer Michael Powell. William Kennard, the FCC’s general counsel, is rumored to be the Clinton administration’s choice as the FCC’s third Democrat.