Waxman Wins First Round of Waxman v. Dingell

From Congress Daily (subscription required):

By a three-vote margin, the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee today recommended that Oversight and Government Reform Chairman Henry Waxman be given the chairmanship of the Energy and Commerce Committee, but a final decision will most likely be made by the full Democratic Caucus Thursday. The Steering Committee voted 25-22 in favor of Waxman to replace Energy and Commerce Chairman John Dingell, according to lawmakers leaving the meeting.

This isn't over, as the entire House Democratic caucus will have the opportunity to have their say on the epic battle between the relative newcomer Henry Waxman, with just 34 years of service in the House, and John Dingell, with 53 years of service (following another 22 years of service by his eponymous father). And, at least from this vantage, it's not clear which of the two will have the edge in the full caucus, with Blue Dogs and those strongly supporting the seniority system (notably the Congressional Black Caucus) backing Dingell and more progressive forces backing Waxman. CQ Politics does note that the last time the steering panel upended a chairman or ranking member, the full caucus subsequently overturned the decision, but this one appears to be still up in the air.

Tags: 111th Congress, Henry Waxman, house democrats, John Dingell (all tags)

Comments

6 Comments

Re: Waxman Wins First Round of Waxman v. Dingell

Dingell was a leader on so many things that this committee deals with: he's supported universal helathcare (which is in this committee's jurisdiction) for fifty years.

On the environment there is some question about who is truly greener.  Their plans for greenhouse gas reduction are almost identical - 83% over 40 years vs 80%.  Waxman wants higher CAFE standards, true, but Dingell wants a higher gas tax which would be a much more effective way to decrease our consumption.

This is a punch in the gut when we chose to keep Lieberman.

by zachmartin11 2008-11-19 10:35AM | 0 recs
Re: Waxman Wins First Round of Waxman v. Dingell

It may be more effective, but it's also politically suicidal.

by TheUnknown285 2008-11-19 11:58AM | 0 recs
I hope Waxman wins

Dingell is not going to work with us on the big issues.

by desmoinesdem 2008-11-19 10:49AM | 0 recs
Re: Waxman Wins First Round of Waxman v. Dingell

Why is the Black Congressional Caucus in favor of seniority? Won't seniority rules favor whites because blacks haven't historically had many positions in the 60s and 70s?

Seniority is overrated. Seniority should just be one factor. That is why the Senate is so fucked up. They got this club where they protect one another.

It is time for new ideas. Get rid of the geezers who have been in politics for too long. Isnt it something that Waxman with 30plus years experience is seen as the young upstart by comparison?

by Pravin 2008-11-19 11:16AM | 0 recs
Re: Waxman Wins First Round of Waxman v. Dingell

Waxman is my Congressman.  I hope he succeeds.

by InigoMontoya 2008-11-19 01:26PM | 0 recs
Re: Waxman Wins First Round of Waxman v. Dingell

Me too.

What if Obama named one of these 2 Energy Secretary?

by Sandwich Repairman 2008-11-20 01:13AM | 0 recs

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