Waxman Wins First Step Toward Energy and Commerce Chairmanship

Susan Davis reports on Congress. Rep. Henry Waxman of California won a narrow victory today in the first step of his fight to unseat Rep. John Dingell of Michigan from his chairmanship atop the powerful Energy and Commerce Committee. The 50-member Democratic Steering Committee, made up of Democratic leaders, chairmen, and regional representatives, voted 25-22 in favor of Waxman, whose bid is upending long-standing Democratic tradition that awards chairmanships based on seniority. The two rivals gave presentations before the Steering Committee, which is closely allied behind House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California, who has clashed with Dingell in the past. The decision is not final and must be voted on by the full House Democratic Caucus, which will meet Thursday morning on Capitol Hill to either approve or reject the Steering Committee’s recommendation. Dingell, one of the automobile industry’s best allies in Congress, still has the potential to hold on to his gavel. As the ... (link)