Former Federal Communications Commission chief Michael Powell, the son of former Secretary of State Colin Powell, is backing John McCain in the presidential race.

(UPI) - Colin Powell's backing of Democratic U.S. presidential nominee Barack Obama pits him against his son, ex-Federal Communications Commission chief Michael Powell.

Michael Powell now serves as a surrogate for Republican nominee John McCain at times on the campaign trail, The Hill reported Tuesday.

The younger Powell endorsed McCain early, saying the Arizona senator was the best candidate to "calm the turbulent economic waters and to steer the new economy in a direction that will bring growth, opportunity and prosperity to all Americans."

Colin Powell, a secretary of State for President George W. Bush, supported McCain's 2000 presidential campaign. However, Powell announced his support for Obama Sunday, saying he was impressed by Obama's steadiness and depth of knowledge.

Michael Powell was FCC chairman under Bush from 2001 to 2005. Under his watch, the FCC fined Viacom, parent of CBS, $550,000 for singer Janet Jackson's "wardrobe malfunction" during the 2004 Super Bowl.