Waxman Ousts Dingell As House Commerce Chair
November 20, 2008
| 11:19 AM
Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Calif., has ousted Rep. John Dingell, D-Mich., as chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee. The House Democratic Caucus ousted Dingell on a secret-ballot vote, following a tight Steering Committee vote Wednesday. The unofficial tally was 137-122. The vote weakens the seniority system and signals the rise of California liberals who backed Waxman. It also strengthens House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who stayed neutral but whose allies supported Waxman's bid. The result gives Waxman, an environmentalist, a key role in shaping legislation on climate change, energy, healthcare and other priorities of President-elect Barack Obama. Dingell will stay on as chairman emeritus.
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