Although it is considered a long-shot attempt, President Obama is trying once again to seat controversial nominee Craig Becker to the National Labor Relations Board for a full term. First nominated in July 2009 and seated via recess appointment in April 2010, Becker, who served as Associate General Counsel to both the SEIU and the AFL-CIO, has not tread an easy path to the NLRB and faces certain opposition in light of Obama’s latest move.

Almost immediately after Obama announced his intent to nominate Becker in April 2009, many in the business community voiced concern about his divisive views regarding an employer’s role during a representation election campaign, as well as his perceived willingness to use Board decisions to effectively institute elements of the proposed Employee Free Choice Act. Likely due to this outcry, in the Fall of 2009, Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) put a hold on Becker’s nomination. Before the 2009 holiday recess, the Senate returned his nomination to the White House for reconsideration.

Despite this concern, the President re-submitted Becker’s nomination to the Senate in January 2010. Following a Senate hearing on his nomination, during which Becker tried to allay concerns about his ability to be impartial, the Senate failed to advance his nomination by a vote of 52-33 in February 2010. His supporters needed at least 60 votes to limit debate on his selection and allow a confirmation vote to occur. Despite the decisive outcome in the Senate vote, Obama used his recess appointment power to seat Becker on the Board in March 2010.

Given the current political composition of the Senate, it is unlikely that lawmakers will have a change of heart and agree to confirm Becker for a full term. If not confirmed, Becker’s term will end on December 31 of this year.