AT&T's Top Lobbyist Backs Hillary Clinton

AT&T's top lobbyist says he's throwing his support behind Hillary Clinton for President. AT&T has made it clear that it dislikes most of the current FCC's proposals, ranging from new net neutrality rules and a higher 25 Mbps definition of broadband, to agency plans to embrace municipal broadband or bring more competition to the cable box. That makes it particularly notable that Cicconi, frequently an outspoken critic of pro-consumer initiatives over at the AT&T policy blog, would back a candidate that's likely to continue these kinds of initiatives.

In fact, Cicconi's vote for Clinton would be the first time he's not voted for a GOP candidate since 1976, according to a Clinton campaign memo provided to the Wall Street Journal

"This year I think it’s vital to put our country’s well being ahead of party,” Cicconi said in a statement provided by the campaign. “Hillary Clinton is experienced, qualified, and will make a fine president. The alternative, I fear, would set our nation on a very dark path."

Cicconi's opposition to Trump reflects growing nervousness among Conservative leaders regarding just what a Trump presidency would look like (read: they don't like that he's unpredictable). Granted given both candidates' not-particularly-solid positions on many technology issues, there's doubts in the general electorate whether either would be good for broadband and TV consumers.

While many assume Clinton would continue the Wheeler-led consumer-friendly policies at the current FCC, that's obviously not guaranteed -- and Cicconi's support may only feed lingering doubts among consumer advocates. Then again, Cicconi's personal political beliefs likely don't reflect the beliefs of all AT&T executives, and his position may say more about Trump than Clinton.

AT&T has threatened to challenge its net neutrality loss to the Supreme Court and could also file an en banc appeal, though the telecom lawyers I've spoken to think neither route will see much success.

As such, the best shot to dismantle net neutrality is by electing a President that will stock the FCC with revolving door regulators. And, at least based on their public statements regarding net neutrality (which admittedly could mean absolutely nothing during election time), Clinton supports the FCC's current path while Trump has called net neutrality a "top down power grab" that will "target Conservative media."