An insider Wall Street source called me today to let me know that a White House official hinted that Kevin Martin will be named as the new Chairman of the FCC, following the departure of Michael Powell.

Many had considered Martin to be the favorite in succeeding Powell, due to the fact that he already has considerable regulator experience (4+ years at the FCC), the fact that he worked on President Bush's campaign, and that his wife is an assistant to the President on economic policy.

It will be interesting to see what Martin brings to the table, particularly regarding the VoIP friendly stance that was adopted by Powell.  Although Martin has clashed with Powell before (on local phone competition back in 2003), he maintained the party line for the most part of his FCC tenure.