Liberals, former officials back Wheeler for FCC chief

Former government officials and public interest advocates came out in support of nominating Tom Wheeler to chair the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in a letter to President Barack Obama.

The letter is an important vote of confidence in Wheeler, a front-runner for the job who has come under fire in recent weeks for his past career as an industry lobbyist. Professor Susan Crawford, a liberal favorite, signed the letter, along with attorney Andy Schwartzman and former officials including Phil Weiser, Sonal Shah, Phil Verveer, Larry Irving, Terry Kramer, Kevin Werback and Paul de Sa. They wrote that Wheeler "will have an open mind and an intelligent take on the challenges that will confront the new Chairman."