WASHINGTON-Federal Communications Commission Chairman William Kennard said he expects to finish out his FCC term, regardless of whether he remains as chairman.
Kennard’s term ends June 30, but there has been wide speculation he would leave the FCC rather than give up the chairmanship should George W. Bush be sworn in as president on Jan. 20. When Bill Clinton became president, then-FCC Chairman Alfred C. Sikes left the day before Clinton took the oath of office.
As to who would lead the FCC in a Bush administration, tradition has dictated that the incoming president choose a sitting commissioner of his party to be acting chairman until either that person or another can be confirmed by the Senate. Using this as a guide, if Bush becomes president, either FCC Commissioner Michael Powell-son of likely-Bush Secretary of State Colin Powell-or FCC Commissioner Harold Furchtgott-Roth would be named acting chairman.
