As noted in the story…
Dorgan tried to block the vote legislatively, but failing that, he promised to take the unusual legislative step of invalidating an independent agency’s regulations. He also tried the same maneuver when the FCC passed an even more deregulatory rule change in 2003. It even passed the Senate before going nowhere in the Republican-controlled House. It was also mooted by a Third Circuit Court of Appeals stay of the rules.And of course, FCC chairman Kevin Martin says that there was plenty of opportunity for public comment on the rule. True, but what Martin doesn’t say is that the comment overwhelmingly told him not to implement the rule, but Martin did so anyway.
That could happen again, since both broadcasters and anti-consolidation media activists filed suit against the rule change, arguing that it was too much (activists), and too little (broadcasters).
Also, the story tells us that Dorgan’s resolution has 13 co-sponsors, including Repugs Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins of Maine. One of those Dem co-sponsors is Jon Tester of Montana; I haven’t had much to say about him since he was sworn in, which probably means that he’s doing a good job.
Finally, the story also tells us above that Dorgan fought this rule change previously in 2003 (just call me a typically suspicious, filthy, unkempt liberal for wondering why Martin is always trying to implement this rule before a presidential election) and did so with the help of former Repug senator Trent Lott of Mississippi. There are all kinds of reasons to disdain this man, but I have to (gulp…easy Doomsy) give…Trent…Lott…credit here.
That was tough – I think I need a drink...
Update 3/17/08: ...not as much as anyone working in Martin's FCC does, I'm sure, based on this.
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