Bloomberg BNA has a breaking news report saying that the names were put in by Senate Leader McConnell. It quotes a spokesperson for Sen. Roberts, ranking Republican on Rules, that “The ball is with the White House.”

Lots of questions here.

1. Are these viable Republican nominees?  If not, what will the President do?

2. Why would Republicans do this? Perhaps the calculation is that it is better to have two Republicans to deadlock with the two new Democratic nominees on the commission than to have the two Democrats speak for the Commission—even though two commissioners does not a quorum make. [corrected]

3. Is there any chance there could be common ground at a new EAC?  Or will Republicans come in Don McGahn style, acting as flame throwers at an agency they despise?