Senate confirms FEC picks

The Hill

The Senate has ended a months-long stalemate that left the Federal Election
Commission (FEC) paralyzed throughout the Democratic and Republican presidential primaries.

Senators on Tuesday evening voted to confirm nominees to the federal agency tasked with overseeing presidential and congressional elections. The action means the agency will be able to issue advisory opinions and investigate possible campaign violations during the final crucial months of the 2008 election.

The final obstacle facing the nominees lifted when Sen. Russ Feingold (D-Wis.) withdrew his objections. Feingold interviewed four of the nominees Tuesday. He interviewed the fifth before Tuesday.

The Senate confirmed three Republicans and two Democrats to join sitting Democratic commissioner Ellen Weintraub. Republican commissioner David Mason will step down.