Barton likely to head key House energy panel
11:20 PM CST on Wednesday, February 4, 2004
By JIM LANDERS / The Dallas Morning News
WASHINGTON – Republican Rep. Joe Barton of Ennis, whose blunt style and legislative guile have made him a lightning rod on energy and environmental issues, may soon be chairman of a congressional committee with enormous influence over American business.
Mr. Barton on Wednesday was the only candidate seeking the chairmanship of the House Energy and Commerce Committee in the wake of Louisiana Rep. Billy Tauzin's decision to step down.
"I certainly expect Joe to be the next chairman," said Rep. Richard Burr, R-N.C., the committee's vice chairman.
As Mr. Barton moves up, another Texan is expected to take his place as chairman of the committee's energy and air quality panel – Rep. Ralph Hall of Rockwall, who recently switched parties to become a Republican. http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/bus/stories/020504dnbusbarton.31040.html