Jun 10, 2005 4:54 PM

Christine Kurth yesterday withdrew her name from consideration for an FCC appointment, marking the second time a candidate backed by powerful Sen. Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) has opted against pursuing a position on the regulatory body.

Kurth made the decision because her husband is a telecom consultant, creating potential conflicts of interest for her, according to numerous reports. As a result, Kurth would have to abstain from many key votes or her husband would have to cease his business.

Earlier this year, former Stevens aide Earl Comstock withdrew from the FCC nomination process amid questions about paying taxes for a domestic employee.

Kurth will continue to serve as deputy staff director of the Stevens-chaired Senate Commerce Committee, which is expected to lead efforts to rewrite the Telecommunications Act of 1996.

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