Attempt To Hotline Genachowski, McDowell Nominations Falls Short

On Friday, the US Senate confirmed a number of nominees for posts in the Obama Administration, but Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski and Commissioner Robert McDowell were not among them. Senate leaders tried to hotline their nominations, which means by unanimous consent without debate or even an actual vote. But just one Senator can keep that from happening, and at least one did. Sen Jim DeMint (R-SC) voted against Genachowski at his nomination hearing Tuesday in the Senate Commerce Committee, so he could well have been the hold-up on Genachowski Friday. Those nominations could still get approval the old-fashioned way--a floor vote--next week. The Senate doesn't go on its July 4 break until June 29.