FCC Commissioner Meredith Attwell Baker — you know the person who helped approve the Comcast/NBCUniversal deal and is now going to work for them — just released a [press statement on the matter](http://transition.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2011/db0513/DOC-306569A1.pdf). Let’s take a look shall we:
>I’m proud of my nearly eight years of government service, and especially my service as an FCC Commissioner under Chairman Genachowski’s leadership. Until late this spring, my plan was to seek renomination for a second term as Commissioner. That was true all through the winter during consideration of the Comcast/NBCUniversal transaction and in the months after it was completed.
“Plans can change.”
>Not once in my entire tenure as a Commissioner had anyone at Comcast or NBCUniversal approached me about potential employment. When this opportunity became available in mid- April, I made a personal decision that I wanted to give it serious consideration.
“I talked to a couple of head hunters and heard rumblings, but I am not foolish enough to talk directly with these companies about a job. In April I decided I had to do what was best for me, not what I was nominated to do.”
>Therefore, I immediately sought counsel from the General Counsel of the FCC, and recused myself on April 18th from any matters involving Comcast or NBCUniversal. I have not only complied with the legal and ethical laws, but I also have gone further. I have not participated or voted any item, not just those related to Comcast or NBCUniversal, since entering discussions about an offer of potential employment. Because of this, I plan to depart the Commission as soon as I am able to ensure an orderly wind-down of my office.
“I had to find where the line was drawn in the laws, so I talked to law people. Also I haven’t done my current job one bit since I accepted the job at my buddies company — two weeks notice baby! Oh, and I want to leave real quick like.”
>I will of course comply with all government ethics and Obama pledge restrictions going forward. I am excited to embark on the next phase of my career and am grateful for having had the opportunity to work with great public servants at the FCC.
“Thanks to Obama and the FCC for getting me this fat pay day and all the connections to make me a good lobbyist. Peace out.”
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