his government experience also includes service as assistant general counsel of the united states federal communications commission (1984–1985) and attorney with the united states department of justice (1982–1984). potter served as general counsel to the 2000 and 2008 presidential campaigns of john mccain and deputy general counsel to the george h.w. bush 1988 campaign. in 2002, he was elected to serve on the common cause national governing board. he is an attorney at caplin & drysdale, where he leads the firm's political law practice.