The resignation of Sen. Jim DeMint, D-S.C., means Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., appears headed for the ranking member slot on the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee in the 113th Congress, according to a report from Lauren Gardner and Ambreen Ali. Thune is next in line to take over as ranking member, following DeMint's resignation and the retirements of Ranking Member Kay Bailey Hutchison of Texas and Sen. Olympia Snowe of Maine. The most immediate impact for tech policy watchers could be on spectrum, given Thune's recent interest in clearing the 1755-1780 MHz band of spectrum for sale to commercial wireless carriers. Thune offered an amendment to the Senate defense authorization bill (S 3254) last week that directed federal users to prepare for the auction of the spectrum block along with the 2155-2180 band that has already been designated for auction. Thune's amendment didn't receive a vote, but his interest in freeing up more spectrum for immediate use will likely appeal to the wireless companies; AT&T is among his top donors, according to data from OpenSecrets.org.

In the longer term, Thune's ascension to the top minority slot on the Commerce Committee could mean more action in the 113th Congress on tech policy issues. A Tea Party favorite, DeMint was known for taking a hard line against regulations, and appeared ready to set a more combative tone than Hutchison. Thune has shown a willingness to work across the aisle on tech issues in the past, and appears to unlikely to share DeMint's zeal for repealing regulations like those that impact how broadcasters negotiate with cable operators. Freeing up government spectrum for private use appears to be Thune's top priority, but his interest in tech issues will undoubtedly rise along with his ability to influence policy, should he garner the post as expected.