Waxman Wins!!

[Thrill]

Leadership panel backs Waxman for energy chairman

WASHINGTON (AP) — Rep. Henry Waxman of California won backing from a House Democratic leadership panel Wednesday to replace veteran Rep. John Dingell as chairman of the committee with oversight of energy and global warming.

Waxman won a 25-22 vote in the Democratic Steering and Policy panel, which is packed with allies of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., a rival of Dingell. The panel also is dominated by more liberal members who are ideologically in tune with Waxman.

But Waxman and Dingell, D-Mich., will still square off on Thursday when rank-and-file Democrats vote. Dingell's allies believe he'll do better among the broader Democratic caucus.

"That Steering and Policy Committee doesn't reflect the makeup of the caucus," said Rep. Mike Doyle, D-Pa., a leader of an effort to keep Dingell in place. "It's heavily weighted with people more likely to be supportive of Henry."

Dingell, 82, has been the committee's top Democrat for 28 years, and is an important ally of automakers and electric utilities. The Energy and Commerce panel is one of the most important in the House, with sweeping jurisdiction over energy, the environment, consumer protection, and health care programs like the popular State Children's Health Insurance Program.

Pelosi did not take sides publicly, but is a home-state ally of Waxman and has tangled with Dingell in the past. She has not pressured members to back Waxman, Doyle said. Two years ago, Pelosi backed Rep. John Murtha, D-Pa., over Rep. Steny Hoyer, D-Md., in the race for majority leader. Hoyer won handily.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gEI_lpU287YVFO79X1AEG_yBx1zAD94I95S00

[mmonk]

1. Good. Maybe he actually get something done in that role.

I'm tired of endless congressional hearings to nowhere.

[babylonsister]

2. Except the big vote's tomorrow. nt

[Jennicut]

3. Thank God. Dingell would have done nothing to force automakers too change.

[Herman74]

4. EXACTLY. Dingell's not going to get anything done. Or...

if he does get something done, it will be extremely watered-down nonsense.

[blue_onyx]

5. Dingell does have some good ideas

Here's something I posted in another thread:

Dingell proposes a tax on carbon emissions. He proposes a gas tax increase too. These would be better ways to solve our environmental issues rather than focusing only on CAFE. Dingell also wants to "Phase out the mortgage interest deduction on large homes." It would encourage people to build smaller homes rather than unnecessary McMansions.

http://www.house.gov/dingell/carbonTaxSummary.shtml