Tristani Won't Run For Congress, Agrees To Remain At Fcc

Television Digest with Consumer Electronics, Dec 6, 1999

FCC Comr. Tristani has decided not to run for Congress and instead will stay at Commission, she announced Dec. 1 in statement issued by FCC. Tristani had considered returning to Albuquerque to run for House but "the Administration has asked me to stay at the FCC and I will." Action averts what some feared would lead to deadlocks on Commission, which would be split politically 2-2.

Tristani said she thought Congress would present opportunity "to serve the people of New Mexico every day." Instead, she said, she will "continue to work on the issues about which I am passionate" such as universal access to Internet, V-chip and ensuring "that the media reflect the cultural diversity of America." Tristani said she wants to assure that everyone, including minorities and disabled people, "have the opportunity to benefit from the communications revolution." She said she looks forward "to a time in the future when I can return to my state and serve the people of New Mexico in a different capacity."

Businessman Bob Perls, who kicked off his campaign for Democratic nomination Nov. 20, said Tristani's announcement was "great news" because he felt it gave him chance for nomination. Perls formerly ran high-tech medical company and served in state legislature.

Perls told us he had been hearing for last couple of days that Tristani was about to announce that she wouldn't run, in part because Administration was uneasy about process of finding replacement. He said he had talked with Tristani family members who had urged her not to run because she was "in a wonderful situation as an FCC commissioner" and could move onto corporate boards when her term was ended. That path seemed preferable to taking gamble with congressional election, Perls said he was told. He said he talked with Tristani about 6 weeks ago, asking her whether she was going to run and, if not, whether she would endorse him. At that point, Tristani wasn't ready to commit, Perls said. With new development, he said: "I'd love Gloria's endorsement."

John Wertheim, other candidate in Democratic primary who was party's nominee in last election, losing to incumbent Rep. Wilson (R-N.M.), said it would have been "a very difficult primary" to compete against Tristani, who he said would have made "a formidable candidate." Wertheim said as result of announcement, "I'm the front-runner to pick up the nomination out here." Wertheim said he hasn't asked Tristani for endorsement and didn't know whether she could issue one from her position on FCC, but said: "I would love to have her support. I have a lot of respect for her." Wilson is member of Telecom Subcommittee.

One White House official said "there's a lot of work ahead and we're glad she decided to stay." Official said Tristani's work on V-chip, competition and "helping Chmn. Bill Kennard achieve his goals are things we care about she's helping to do."