Bush picks 3 for election commission

May 7, 2008

WASHINGTON — President George W. Bush sent the Senate a new slate of Federal Election Commission nominees Tuesday, an attempt to break a Senate confirmation deadlock that was greeted coolly by the Democratic leader.

Bush nominated two new Republicans and one new Democrat to the FEC. But he resisted efforts to withdraw the nomination of Hans von Spakovsky, a former Justice Department official who does not have Democratic support. Bush withdrew the nomination of current FEC Chairman David Mason, who had clashed in the past with likely Republican presidential nominee John McCain.

Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid's spokesman said the White House "has abandoned experience and independence for partisan loyalty."