Outnumbered But in Charge: Democrat Commissioner Robert Adler Elected to Vice-Chair of CPSC

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recently elected Commissioner Robert Adler to serve as vice-chair of the CPSC. Commissioner Adler, a Democrat who has served on the CPSC since 2009, is a surprising choice for the No. 2 spot, elected to the position by a Republican-majority Commission. The choice is even more surprising given that he will assume the acting chair position when current Acting Chair Ann Marie Buerkle steps down at the end of the month. Buerkle had been poised to lead the CPSC as chair, but withdrew her nomination in June. In choosing a vice-chair to succeed her as acting chair, Buerkle crossed the political aisle and gave Adler the majority vote. As a result, the CPSC will be led, at least for the time being, by a Democrat, though the White House is likely to nominate another Republican to fill Buerkle’s seat and return the Commission to a 3-2 Republican majority.