Kerry Plays All Sides In Telecom Debate

KERRY PLAYS ALL SIDES IN TELECOM DEBATE
[SOURCE: Technology Daily, AUTHOR: Drew Clark]
The 2008 Presidential election must have begun as we're already learning a contender is a waffler. Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) has been aligned with the interests of each major communications industry segment -- Bell telephone companies, cable operators and Internet players -- at various times during the attempt to rewrite telecommunications law this Congress. But at last month's Senate Commerce Committee vote on the issue, he returned to his roots and took actions aligned with the cable television industry. Except for the prickly subject of network neutrality, Sen Kerry sided with cable interests -- and against those of Bell companies, broadcasters and local government officials -- on core votes and amendments. The cable industry has been the most generous industry toward Sen Kerry in his career, according to an analysis of Federal Election Commission donor data. But despite more than $2.4 million in career support from there, Sen Kerry's leanings on communications legislation have not always been clear. Kerry aides say the former presidential nominee does not favor any industry. "Senator Kerry's number one concern is consumers, and he always puts competition and the public interest first," spokeswoman April Boyd said.
http://www.njtelecomupdate.com/lenya/telco/live/tb-QVPT1153849982959.html

* Cable Has Been Kind To Sen. Kerry
http://www.njtelecomupdate.com/lenya/telco/live/tb-IVXK1153850288261.html