Mitch McConnell has been notably discreet about his pick to fill an empty seat on the Federal Trade Commission — and some insiders say it’s not hard to see why.
Earlier this week, the Senate minority leader told the White House he plans to nominate James Lloyd, an associate deputy attorney general in Texas and antitrust hawk, as his pick for one of two vacant FTC commissioner roles, sources told On The Money.
McConnell’s quiet move comes as Lloyd’s boss, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, has been impeached by a Republican House of Representatives over charges of bribery and misuse of office.
A source close to the situation said McConnell may be trying to keep the name hush-hush given that scandal.
“The Paxton impeachment should complicate things,” one FTC insider added. “It’s gotta give McConnell’s office some pause because drawing attention to Paxton’s office isn’t a good look right now.”
While the impeachment may delay a public announcement, those in favor of cracking down on Big Tech are hopeful the nomination can eventually get through.
“Texas has been the lead state in terms of suing Google and holding tech accountable,” one antitrust insider said. “Lloyd has served as point person on those investigations so that gives conservatives cause to celebrate.”
The news is a welcome relief after DC insiders fretted that McConnell – who is responsible for submitting nominees to the White House – might shy away from candidates seeking to reign in big tech.
“This isn’t a pillow fight you need someone who is going to bring a machete to the fight,” the source added.
But the antitrust bona fides that came from working with Paxton could also be a weakness.
“McConnell has to ask himself is there downside in terms of everything going on with the Paxton impeachment,” one source added. “Does that create any unnecessary risks in terms of Democrats or Big Tech trying to use that against Lloyd?”
While the timing couldn’t be worse, others are just glad to see any movement forward.
“McConnell has dragged his feet for months on these nominations – it’s time he starts putting forward names so that Republicans can have a voice and a seat at the table in terms of FTC enforcement,” another source added.
A spokesperson for McConnell declined to comment.
McConnell has two vacancies to fill. Former Commissioner Noah Phillips left last year. Former Commissioner Christine Wilson — whose bombshell op-ed in the Wall Street Journal raised concerns over whether Lina Khan has been following the law with her fierce clampdowns on tech companies — is preparing to exit at the end of the month.
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