Stevens' FCC pick first in line.(Ted Stevens backs Christine Kurth for president's post in Federal Communications Commission)(Brief Article)

Christine Kurth is now the front-runner for Michael Powell's vacant FCC seat.

Kurth is deputy staff director of the Senate Commerce Committee, with a specialty in telecommunications issues.

Committee Chairman Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) is pushing the White House to nominate her now that his first choice, lobbyist Earl Comstock, took his name out of the hat. Her chances are boosted by the fact that Stevens' committee approves FCC nominations.

Another contender, White House favorite and former Texas utility regulator Rebecca Klein, is now the primary candidate …