Waxman takes over chairing Energy/Commerce Committee. Dingell is out making room for CHANGE

[KittyWampus]

Rep. Henry Waxman (D) has ousted John Dingell (D) as Chair of the Energy and Commerce Committee.

That's a hugely big deal on any number of levels -- not least of which is the two men's very different positions on energy policy.

[flpoljunkie]

1. Very big! This committee has jurisdiction over energy, the environment and health care.

From politico...

The Energy and Commerce Committee has principal jurisdiction over many of President-elect Barack Obama's top legislative priorities, including energy, the environment and health care.

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1108/15822.html

[KittyWampus]

2. I trust Waxman more than just about anyone.

[rvablue]

5. Although not the most attractive man, I agree with wholeheartedly on the trust thing :)

[ProSense]

3. Josh Marshall has an interesting take

Holy Crap

By Josh Marshall

Rep. Henry Waxman (D) has ousted John Dingell (D) as Chair of the Energy and Commerce Committee.

That's a hugely big deal on any number of levels -- not least of which is the two men's very different positions on energy policy. We'll have more soon.

Late Update: Here's the reaction from a Republican Hill staffer friend of mine -- very sane good guy, but, you know, still a Republican ...

Dude:

The day Henry got into this race, this result was ordained.

The differences between the 2 are, as you mentioned, HUGE.

But, honestly, the real story here is Nancy Pelosi whacked John Dingell. She put a hit on him, and it was executed.

The rest of the story takes a back seat to that FACT.

For the moment, I'm still going with 'Holy Crap'.

[seafan]

4. Waxman's ascent to Energy and Commerce is VERY BIG.

Great news. Waxman is a bulldog and he is on the side of the people.


Waxman dethrones Dingell as chairman

By PATRICK O'CONNOR
11/20/08 10:53 AM EST



Rep. Henry A. Waxman, entering the caucus meeting Thursday.
Photo: AP

California Rep. Henry A. Waxman on Thursday officially dethroned longtime Energy and Commerce Chairman John Dingell, upending a seniority system that has governed Democratic politics in the House for decades.

In a secret ballot vote in the Cannon Caucus Room, House Democrats ratified an earlier decision by the Steering and Policy Committee to replace the 82-year-old Dingell with his 69-year-old rival. The vote was 137-122 in favor of Waxman.

The ascension of Waxman, a wily environmentalist, recasts a committee that Dingell has chaired since 1981 with an eye toward protecting the domestic auto industry in his native Michigan. The Energy and Commerce Committee has principal jurisdiction over many of President-elect Barack Obama's top legislative priorities, including energy, the environment and health care.

.....

Change for the better is coming in little packages, every day. Hold them close and savor all of them.