Mere hours after the election, some Democrats in the House are plotting a major leadership shakeup. Via Politico:
House Oversight and Government Reform Chairman Henry A. Waxman is calling senior Democrats to seek the top spot on Energy and Commerce, according to Democrats on and off Capitol Hill.
This puts the Californian in a direct conflict with Energy and Commerce Chairman John Dingell (Mich.), the dean of the House and a long-time Waxman rival, for the top spot of one of the most powerful committees in Congress.
According to numerous Democrats, Waxman started calling senior colleagues on Wednesday, after the election results were in, to gauge their support for a challenge of Dingell.
The Energy and Commerce Committee would play a major role -- likely the lead -- in any climate legislation next year. Waxman has advocated much more aggressive plans for reducing emissions than Dingell, who represents auto and other industry interests in Michigan. A leadership change would have a major impact on climate action in the next Congress.
Mark Warner (D-Va.)
While scientists fight over BPA studies, Congress could just act
Roger Wicker (R-Miss.)
Comments
View as Flat
MarleneJ Posted 3:17 pm
06 Nov 2008
I understand that House Oversight and Government Reform Chairman Henry A. Waxman. I know of his skills and honest dedication for finding real answers to our global warming issues through a colleague of mine in the Audubon Society.
It seems that his credentials should be seriously considered for this position if there are real headways to be made in the area of climate legislation and reducing emissions.
We hope you choose Chairman Henry Waxman for this position. We look forward to hearing that you have done so.
Sincerely,
Marlene Meyer
Environmental Citizen for school district in Washington State
Previous Director for RPC (Recycled Paper Coalition)
Member of Audubon and NRDC
Permalink