Obama renominates Phila. lawyer for postal board

President Obama has renominated Philadelphia lawyer Alan C. Kessler to one of the toughest federal jobs around: member of the U.S. Postal Service board of governors.

As the volume of snail mail continues to decline, the Postal Service faces a projected $7.5 billion deficit this year - and serious questions about its survival.

"I wouldn't say the institution is on life support, but it is in dire circumstances," said Kessler, who has served on the board for nine years. "Some tough decisions are coming, and for the first time I can remember the Postal Service is front and center at the White House."

The agency is asking Congress for relief from retiree health-care payments, as well as permission to cut Saturday mail delivery and authorization to expand the range of products it can offer.

USPS does not receive taxpayer money; postage is its only source of income.

Kessler, a partner at Duane Morris LLP and a top national Democratic fundraiser, was appointed to the postal board by President Bill Clinton in 2000. His term is set to expire in December.

If Kessler is confirmed by the Senate, his new term will run through 2016. Obama submitted Kessler's renomination on Oct. 14, after he underwent the administration's famously rigorous vetting process.

"The FBI talked to everyone but my third-grade teacher," Kessler quipped. "The good news is I don't have anything to worry about."

Kessler was on the national finance teams for the presidential campaigns of former Vice President Al Gore in 2000, and Hillary Clinton last year. He also is a longtime confidant of Gov. Rendell, and raised money for Rendell's campaigns for mayor of Philadelphia and governor.

Contact staff writer Thomas Fitzgerald at 215-854-2718 or tfitzgerald@phillynews.com.