Federal Communications Commission Common Carrier Bureau Chief Regina Keeney, citing personal reasons, abruptly pulled herself from contention for the open agency seat last week.
Keeney, former chief of the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, was nominated last July by President Clinton to fill the Republican seat left vacant by Andrew Barrett in March 1996.
Though widely liked and respected for her telecommunications policy work at the FCC and on Capitol Hill, it is unclear whether she would have been confirmed by the Senate.
Some observers say the administration may opt for a state regulator for that slot in view of contentious federal-state issues arising from the 1996 telecom act.
Meanwhile, two more commission seats are up for grabs. Longtime Commissioner James Quello will continue to serve beyond his term, which ended last June, until a successor is named.
The term of Commissioner Rachelle Chong ends June 30. Last week, sources said Chong will seek reappointment.
The future of Chairman Reed Hundt is unclear. Rumors swirl about a Spring departure, which would open the way for possible nominees that could include FCC Commissioner Susan Ness, FCC General Counsel William Kinnard, National Telecommunication and Information Administration head Larry Irving, and Greg Simon, a telecom aide to Vice President Gore.
