Election Pushes FCC to Clear Its Plate

The Federal Communications Commission has a full Election Day meeting Tuesday, as Chairman Kevin Martin has loaded the docket with several critical items that could become more difficult to pass after the results are official.

The agenda includes seven items for the commission to consider, including a discussion on Verizon's (VZ Quote) acquisition of Alltel and the transfer of licenses between Sprint Nextel (S Quote) and Clearwire (CLWR Quote) for their WiMax joint venture.

With Sen. Barack Obama (D., Ill.) currently favored to beat Sen. John McCain (R., Ariz.) in the election for U.S. president, some analysts believe the FCC is tying up loose ends before control of the White House changes hands. With the presidential power to assign the FCC chairperson, Martin could lose the position if either Obama or McCain wins. ...