By Kim Dixon

WASHINGTON, Dec 9 (Reuters) – A group of congressional Democrats blasted the chief U.S. communications regulator for his opaque and unpredictable management on Tuesday citing a report they hope will spark reform of the Federal Communications Commission.

The investigation into the FCC and chairman Kevin Martin’s leadership came partly in response to complaints about the agency from the public and from communications industry professionals, according to the lawmakers.

The report by House Energy and Commerce Committee majority staff cites several instances where Martin “manipulated, withheld or suppressed data, reports and information,” particularly in his attempts for tougher cable regulation, an issue Martin has pursued with vigor.

“Martin’s legacy is he left us a blueprint of how not to run an agency,” said Bart Stupak, the Michigan Democrat who heads the panel’s investigative subcommittee.