Remember when Obama promised not to appoint any lobbyists? Ha, ha!

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama intends to nominate veteran Rep. Melvin Watt to head the Federal Housing Finance Agency, the government regulator that oversees lending giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and he has chosen a former cable and wireless industry lobbyist to head the Federal Communications Commission, according to White House officials.

If confirmed by the Senate for the FHFA post, Watt, a North Carolina Democrat who has been in Congress for 20 years, would replace Edward DeMarco, an appointee of President George W. Bush, who has been a target of housing advocates, liberal groups and Democratic lawmakers.

Also on Wednesday, Obama plans to nominate Tom Wheeler, one of his top campaign fundraisers, as the country’s top telecommunications regulator. He is expected to name FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn to serve as acting chairwoman while Wheeler awaits Senate confirmation.

Wheeler raised more than $500,000 for Obama’s re-election effort, according to data provided by the campaign. He also contributed more than $17,000 combined to Obama’s re-election and to several Senate campaigns, including Virginia Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine’s successful effort.