For the last six months or so, Senate Democrats, Senate Republicans, and the President have been locked in a standoff on the Federal Election Commission's appointees to the point were only 2 of the 6 positions were filled and the commission was unable to perform business.
From Politico.com (Sorry AP, no love for you)
"Confirming these nominations tonight will help restore the American people’s faith that campaign finance laws will be enforced during this presidential election," said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) in a statement. "We are also bringing greater transparency to our system of financing elections by ensuring new bundling rules will finally move forward. I am proud to have advanced Steven Walther and Cynthia Bauerly, two exceptional Democratic nominees, and am extremely pleased they have finally been confirmed."
More under the fold
The flash point was Hans von Spakovsky, a GOP appointee who was with the Justice Department (yes, THAT justice department), and his record of pushing for Voter ID laws across the nation drew the ire of Senator Kennendy and others.
The Bush Administration tried to push him through, but Democrats said no. Then, Senate Republicans decided to package all of the nominees together for an up or down vote in a "If we can't win, then we will screw over the US election system in the process." The Democrats stood firm, and allowed the commission to drop below 4 members, effectively killing the commission until further notice.
Hans withdrew his nomination late in May, making the situation moot. Democrats had no issue with the other candidates, and not, this evening, everyone has been appointed.
Why is this all important? Now the FEC can begin investigating McCain's Public Financing Flip Flop. Here's to hoping.