After last week's announcement of new nominees to the Federal Election Commission (FEC), not much progress has been made. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) has responded; either remove Hans von Spakovsky's name or allow individual votes on the FEC nominees. In addition, Reid offered his support if Hans were replaced with David Mason. BNA Money and Politics ($$) reports; Reid said in May 12 letter to White House Chief of Staff Josh Bolten that Senate GOP leaders have balked at Democrats' insistence on a separate vote for the most controversial Republican nominee, Hans von Spakovsky. This was the case even though the White House, through a spokeswoman, had publicly agreed to support an up-or-down vote on von Spakovsky, Reid noted. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) has consistently indicated, on the other hand that von Spakovsky's nomination must be approved along with any other FEC nominations confirmed by the Senate.