On Pai Alert

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Federal Communications Commission  Chairman Ajit Pai has long attracted rumors that he may run for political office one day. And despite committing to serving out his remaining two years as chair, recent retirement news from Sen. Pat Roberts (R-KS) has set off another round of whispers about whether the Kansas-bred Pai might be eyeing a run. Kansas’ two senators said they have not heard word of any interest on Pai’s part but immediately endorsed his talents. “He would be a solid, good candidate of great capabilities of being a United States senator, but I have no indication that he’s pursuing it or that he has an interest,” said Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS). Sen. Roberts, too, said that while Chairman Pai is “a very talented young man” and “a special guy,” Pai’s name was not among the 20 or so potential candidates he’s heard so far.

One reminder: Chairman Pai is politically polarizing despite his GOP support. Although he prides himself on an agenda of closing the digital divide, 41 Senate Democrats voted against re-confirming him to another FCC term in fall 2017.


On Pai Alert