At FCC, GOP commissioner’s departure clears way for Genachowski’s exit

The departure of Federal Communications Commission member Robert McDowell, observers say, makes it easier for FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski to soon follow him to the doors — since now he’ll leave Democrats with a 2-1 voting advantage (whereas if he’d left before Commissioner McDowell, the FCC would be in a 2-2 deadlock). Though Chairman Genachowski said he had “no news” regarding if and when he’d leave the FCC, the White House has been interviewing potential replacements. It is unclear who President Barack Obama will pick to replace Commissioner McDowell, though whoever the GOP pick is, that nominee could wind up paired with the Democratic nominee to replace Genachowski, following in the tradition of grouping one Democratic candidate with a GOP one for a smoother Senate confirmation.

• "We extend our gratitude to commissioner McDowell for his excellent service to the Federal Communications Commission and American public," said National Cable and Telecommunications Association President Michael Powell. McDowell was named to the commission in 2006 to fill the unexpired term of then chairman Powell.
• "Robert McDowell has been a remarkably gifted public servant during his seven-year tenure at the FCC," said National Association of Broadcasters president Gordon Smith.
• "I've been around the FCC for 40 years and have never seen anyone render greater public service," said Preston Padden, executive director of the Expanding Opportunities for Broadcasters Coalition.
• AT&T senior VP Jim Cicconi called McDowell a "true leader, focused on promoting the interests of consumers as well as innovation and economic growth. His impressive knowledge of communications law and regulations has been a major asset to the Commission in so many of the important and complex issues it has tackled.”
• "Although we often disagreed, working with commissioner McDowell was a pleasure," said Public Knowledge. "His willingness to hear opposing views, the intellectual rigor in his analysis, and his leadership at the WCIT made him someone we enjoyed working with.
• "We congratulate commissioner McDowell on his decision to leave the FCC," said Free Press president and CEO Craig Aaron. "As he considers his next move, we hope he will reject the revolving door and resist becoming another FCC leader who exploits his public service to cash in at the companies he was supposed to regulate. We urge the president to nominate a Republican successor who is not simply another cheerleader for the biggest businesses and media monopolists, but who recognizes the free market cannot work if companies are allowed to amass and abuse market power.”
• Ranking Senate Commerce Committee John Thune (R-SD), who is expected to have a hand in selecting a successor to McDowell, called him a freedom fighter for markets and ideas.
• American Cable Association President Matt Polka praised McDowell for his "distinguished career" at the commission, "where he demonstrated an impressive mastery of the complicated regulatory framework that governs the communications industry, including independent cable operators."
• "We appreciate the energy and enthusiasm he brought to his work, his strong interest in technology and innovation, and his leadership most recently in the international arena where he has been a strong advocate against efforts to regulate the Internet," said US Telecom president Walter McCormick.
• The Parents Television Council praised McDowell for trying to goose the pace of FCC dispensation of indecency complaints.
• FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski called McDowell "an extraordinary colleague, creative, wise and a great partner on the commission." He called him "essential" to many FCC achievements that would not have happened without him and has "always improved the quality of [the FCC's] work." He said they had worked through countless issues, a process he has "thoroughly enjoyed."
• Fellow commissioner Mignon Clyburn fought back tears at the meeting as she talked of McDowell's loyal friendship and support.
• "He is smart, insightful and deeply knowledgeable about all things communications," said Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel. She joked that she thought she understood spectral interference before I arrived at the commission -- she was a top telecom advisor to the Senate Commerce Committee -- "but Rob has now explained to me that noninterference is, in fact, the 'prime directive."
• Commissioner Ajit Pai: "He has proven to be a consistently wonderful colleague. He is just the model public servant in so many ways. I don't know what we are going to do without him, but I am hopeful that the chairman and my colleagues agree that I ought to have two votes."
• House Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI) said, “At a time when broadband and wireless technology are transforming voice, video, audio and data communications, we could not have asked for a better steward than Commissioner McDowell. With every decision, he has fought to ensure we are creating an environment for investment, innovation, and growth. And he has done so with both eloquence and good humor. No question that he has left the communications landscape better than he found it. We thank him for his service."
• Communications and Technology Subcommittee Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR): "For more than a half decade, Robert McDowell has embodied the consummate FCC commissioner. He has kept a steadfast eye on how to foster a vibrant communications marketplace for the American people and the American economy. He has always stood up to protect the freedom of the Internet for all, and at every turn he has made sure to respect good process, good policy, and the rule of law. The country is all the better for his service. With much gratitude, we wish him all the best wherever his path may take him."