Nelson Supports Schumer Pick of FCC Enforcement Bureau Official Starks for Clyburn Seat

Senate Commerce Committee ranking member Bill Nelson, D-Fla., said Tuesday he now supports Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer's, D-N.Y., recommended choice to replace FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn upon her expected departure from the commission. Schumer recommended Enforcement Bureau Assistant Chief Geoffrey Starks as Clyburn's successor. Nelson in February publicly backed John Branscome, Senate Commerce chief Democratic telecom counsel, to succeed Clyburn.

“It's [Schumer's] choice” to make, Nelson said in response to our questions now: “We'll get John [Branscome] later on down the line” at the FCC “because he's a real expert” on telecom policy.

Schumer's office didn't comment.

The White House has “no announcements at this time,” a spokesman said.