Front-runners emerge for top antitrust post at DOJ

{mosads}Overton was previously mentioned as a possible candidate for chairman of the FTC; her husband, Spencer, is a political appointee in the Department of Justice. The couple, both Detroit natives, have been extremely active in support of President Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign.

Bloom has the strong backing of Senate Antitrust Chairman Herb Kohl (D-Wis.) and was credited with orchestrating the panel’s efforts on the AT&T deal, as well as last year’s hearing featuring Google CEO Eric Schmidt.

Attorney and former FTC policy director David Balto said Bloom could have the best chance of confirmation thanks to his work on the Senate subcommittee, which has earned him admiration on both sides of the aisle.

“Bloom, because of his stellar reputation, is by far in the best position to be confirmed by the Senate,” Balto said.

Bloom previously worked in the Antitrust Division as a trial attorney from 1996 to 1999.