A game of musical chairs played in Washington DC.  The term for the current longest-serving Commissioner, Ellen L. Weintraub, began with a recess appointment in 2002 and regular appointment in 2003.  Weintraub served as the Chair in 2003 and her term expired in April 2007.  Yet, she remains on the Commission almost 6 years later.  She serves until the President appoints a successor and the Senate confirms a new appointee. 

In 2013, Commissioner Weintraub is slated to become the new Chairwoman with Republican Commissioner Donald McGahn serving as the Vice-Chairman.