CAGW Names FCC Chairman Kevin Martin October Porker of the Month

Business Wire, Oct 23, 2008

WASHINGTON -- Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW) today named Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Kevin Martin its October Porker of the Month for using FCC funds to sponsor a NASCAR driver from his home state.

The FCC will pay $355,000 to sponsor David Gilliland's number 38 car, owned by Yates Racing, for three races, in order to raise awareness about the upcoming switch to digital television (DTV) in February. Even though the commission has inundated networks with paid announcements for months, Martin considered it necessary to use additional taxpayer dollars to pay for the car and driver to bear slogans such as "Is Your TV ready for Digital?"

While spreading public awareness over the transition from analog to digital broadcasting is important, the National Association of Broadcasters has stated that the public is already largely aware of the switch.

"This doesn't seem like the most efficient use of resources," admitted FCC Commissioner Jonathan Adelstein. While NASCAR is the biggest spectator sport in the country, it seems absurd to spend taxpayer money for three races only four months before the switch, following months of alternative advertising. Chairman Martin not only chose to misuse government funds, but did so without consulting all of the FCC commissioners.

Not only does this expenditure show poor judgment, the underlying motivation for the contract has also raised eyebrows. Martin is generally expected to be replaced as FCC Chairman by the next president, after which he may attempt to launch a political career in his home state of North Carolina. Indeed, some have suggested that Martin's decision to move forward with this sponsorship is linked to his political future in the state. Gilliland is based in North Carolina, while NASCAR maintains offices in four North Carolina cities. Additionally, Martin chose Wilmington, North Carolina as the test site for the switch to DTV.

Considering Martin's ability to sequester taxpayer money for his prospective constituents, he is well on his way to becoming a successful legislative porker.

For using taxpayer funds on an unnecessary project, diverting focus from more important telecommunications concerns, recklessly spending without consulting with his peers, and attempting to use his influence to shore up his own political prospects, CAGW names FCC Chairman Kevin Martin its October 2008 Porker of the Month.

Citizens Against Government Waste is the nation's largest nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement in government. Porker of the Month is a dubious honor given to lawmakers, government officials, and political candidates who have shown a blatant disregard for the interests of taxpayers.