Hans von Spakovsky, President Bush’s nominee to the FEC and lighting rod for criticism over his history of voter suppression at the Justice Department, announced on New Year’s Eve that it was his last day as FEC commissioner. The Senate “blocked von Spakovsky’s appointment, over concern about his tenure” at the DoJ. In an e-mail to supporters, von Spakovsky wrote:
Today was my last official day as a Commissioner on the Federal Election Commission. … The Senate officially adjourned today without acting on my nomination. … I wanted to thank everyone for their support over the past two years while I was going through this confirmation battle. All of the telephone calls, emails and notes I received from people were great encouragement for me.
Von Spakovsky reportedly attached an endorsement by the Wall Street Journal to the e-mail, adding that “it did not help in the end in convincing the Democrats to vote to confirm me.”
UPDATE: The White House says von Spakovsky’s nomination is still active. “He is not withdrawn,” said Emily Lawrimore, a White House spokeswoman.
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