Adler's First Day as Acting Chairman to Be October 1; Vote Was 3-2

Commissioner Robert Adler will take over as CPSC acting chairman October 1, current Acting Chairman Ann Marie Buerkle said in a statement to the press. Meanwhile, the vote (bit.ly/2kT7HN0) was 3-2, with Buerkle's fellow Republicans instead voting for Commissioner Dana Baiocco. The vote technically was to make Adler vice chairman. The following was Buerkle's statement to the press:

"One of my leadership goals here at CPSC has always been to enable and enhance the excellent work of this agency and its professional staff. As the agency now transitions to a new vice-chairman who will become acting chairman on October 1, I think it is important that the temporary caretaker for the agency be the most experienced, most senior commissioner who has previously served in this role. This interim selection will keep the agency on course while the White House determines and nominates a new candidate for chairman. Consumer protection is not political."

She also sent this statement to CPSC staff September 13:

"I recently indicated that I would be stepping down as acting chairman at the end of September and continue in my role as commissioner until the end of October."

"The Commission voted today to elect a new vice-chairman who will become acting chairman on October 1, 2019. Although the vote becomes official when the Record of Commission Action (RCA) is posted next Wednesday, September 18, I am able to tell you there was a majority vote for Commissioner Robert Adler. I look forward to working closely with Commissioner Adler to ensure a smooth transition for the Agency."

Adler is a Democrat, setting up the odd situation of an agency led by a member of the party not in the White House, especially mid-administration versus early transition. On the other hand, CPSC will have a 2-2 tie, and Adler would need to step down if an official chairman can be put in place.

He previously served as acting chairman from late 2013 to mid-2014. He has been a commissioner since 2009. He also was a staffer at the agency from 1973 to 1984.