I worked at the FEC a year ago and the people that I worked with at the FEC thought that he was one of the worst appointments in recent memory. Everyone knows that Commissioners have their own agendas (thats why they are nominated), but no one has an agenda like von Spakovsky. He is irrational in discussions just to prove a point. He is mean and prickly for no reason and sometimes he just makes himself look stupid.
Every time he mentioned his experience in voter ID, I could hear everyone in the Commission meetings roll their eyes. Yes Hans, you are way awesome, we see that now, but um, what does that have to do with Electioneering Communications?
I never really agreed with the politics of, say Commissioner David Mason, but at least he knows the regulations and can make an argument. Hans just knows what he wants things to be like, and without researching, understanding or attempting to discuss like a civilized person, he just mocks other Commissioners and makes random speeches about Abraham Lincoln or HAVA.
It was widely believed by FEC staff at the time of his appointment, that he would've never been confirmed by the Senate. I hope that the Democratically-controlled Senate won't be so lazy as to confirm this radical. I fear that now that there is another Republican seat open on the Commission, they will choose the quick and dirty path to a less just, open and transparent democracy.
