Vote on FTC Chairman Blocked

[Robbien]

Wyden (D-Ore.) has opposed the nomination of antitrust lawyer Deborah P. Majoras over concerns that she would not actively police the oil industry from using anticompetitive practices to drive up gasoline prices.

McCain sought to have her nomination considered at the start of the 9:30 a.m. meeting, but Wyden pressed for a delay until the committee had completed other work. McCain agreed. But around 11:30, while the committee adjourned for a Senate vote, Wyden invoked a rule limiting hearings to two hours when the Senate is in session. Also delayed by the dispute is the nomination of Jon D. Leibowitz to be a Democratic FTC member.

"I have never been deceived like that in the 22 years I've been here," McCain said in a later phone interview. McCain said that he had agreed to put off the vote as a "courtesy" to Wyden. "It will be impossible for me to do business with Senator Wyden" in the future, he said.

In a statement, Wyden said, he took "this extraordinary step to send a clear message that protecting consumers is of the utmost importance, especially in the face of record high gas and energy prices." He was particularly critical of Majoras's refusal to take a stand on a recent government study linking higher gasoline prices to oil industry mergers approved by the FTC. Majoras said she would study the issue. Wyden said that was insufficient.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A7610-2004Jul22.html

[rusty charly]

1. 'bout

time

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

2. Let me get this straight...

A repuke anti-trust lawyer?

Kinda like screwing for virginity. Does not compute.

[wtmusic]

7. She walks both sides of the fence

"Debbie has also provided counseling to numerous corporate clients and trade associations on a range of antitrust issues."

http://www1.jonesday.com/attorneys/bio.asp?language=English&AttorneyID=15760

[true grit]

3. No problem for Bush

The Bush administration has taken the shady tactic of making appointments while Congress is in recess, bypassing the approval process. This could play into their hands.

[true grit]

4. Wasn't it the Republicans...

who complain about Democratric Senators missing votes? They should be grateful to Sen. Wyden. Otherwise they're just talking out of their posteriors.

[truthisfreedom]

5. if you want to run with the big dogs, you gotta piss on a big tree.

i heard that once, and i think i know what it means now.

[Pachamama]

6. Yeah Ron Wyden....Cheney you McCain.....

McCain never been deceived like that in 22 years he's been in the Senate? Hardly....He's been screwed harder by Bu$h and others and look how he kisses their a$$es now....What a piece of work he is....

Ron Wyden is a great Senator....Oregonians should be proud....