Demoratic Battle Brewing: Waxman Trying To Unseat Powerful Energy Chairman

WASHINGTON — A top Democratic aide says Rep. Henry Waxman, a liberal ally of Speaker Nancy Pelosi, is challenging veteran Rep. John Dingell as House Energy and Commerce Committee chairman.

Dingell is the House's longest-serving member. The Michigan lawmaker is an influential supporter of Detroit's automakers.

If Waxman succeeds, he would bring a more environmentally friendly agenda to the committee as it considers global warming and other issues. Waxman and Dingell have battled in the past over clean air laws.

Pelosi and Dingell have had their differences, too. She endorsed Dingell's primary opponent in 2002.

The Democratic aide says Pelosi did not put Waxman up to the move against Dingell. The aide spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the political fight.

Pelosi and Waxman are from California.

Comments

[Brownstown]

The Obama agenda that has to get through Congress is more than just CAFE standards (which went up last year--I thought Dingell was blocking all of those). Many Congress members understand that health care, drug maker reform, economic reform, and alternate energy are going to be the most important pieces of the puzzle. That's why the vote on Thursday (if there is a vote) will be to keep John Dingell as chairman of Energy and Commerce.

One more time, what major piece of environmental legislation is Waxman responsible for? What has he done? You want to force Obama to count on him for results when there is no reason to think he can deliver?

[nibblybits]

Which is exactly why Dingell can't be trusted. He's stood in the way of environmental reform for years.

BTW, Brownstown (and his various dozen aliases, including Downriver, Downriverman, kyletertzeg etc) is one lobbyist shilling for Dingell. Check out the profiles.

[Brownstown]

If I'm one lobbyist, then I've done a bad job because I have a ton of postings under the name Brownstown. But you go and keep repeating that same lie since you have run out of ideas, nibblybits.

I and others have listed the Environmental legislation Dingell has been instrumental in, and have asked for what Waxman has done. He introduced one bill that went nowhere and has voted, if I recall your response. I suppose we should thank him for voting.

[ZachMartin11]

DownRiver is exactly right. We're on the brink of passing universal healthcare, it could not be more foolish to kick out of his position a man who has been advocating for it for more than fifty years.

[nibblybits]

Don't believe DownRiver. Dingell is nothing but a stooge of special interests, now desperately trying to hold on to his job.

[Brownstown]

My job has nothing to do with John Dingell, and yet here I am saying he should still be chair. But you go ahead and keep making stuff up, nibbly. I'm kinda looking forward to seeing you get more and more frustrated here.

[nibblybits]

One comment. Same as the several aliases below you. Is Zach Martin your real name? Another lobbyist for Dingell?

Dingell is married to an auto lobbyist. He's their tool. Has stood in the way of progress for decades.

[DownriverMan]

One of President-Elect Obama's major campaign themes was reforming our health care system. Dingell's been proposing legislation to do just that since the 1950s. It's only fitting that Dingell be running the House Committee that actually fixes the health care system.

President-Elect Obama also campaigned on a platform of green energy and green jobs. Dingell has written numerous pieces of environmental legislation, including the Endangered Species Act.

[nibblybits]

Two comments. Wow, why did you bother with the second one before creating another alias?

[Downriver]

The auto industry has a mixture of wounds. Some are self inflicted, others are brought on by unfair trade policies, currency manipulation, etc.... Congress finally did something right by offering loans for research and development. Our foreign automakers thrive because they already have these tools and Bush economics that favor crap made outside the country. Michigan will sink if our domestic automotive industry does not get back on track. For this and several reasons, John Dingell is the right man to lead Energy and Commerce. He has a proven track record of working across the aisle and is a master at the art of negotiating. The track record also proves a balance of the environment and business. Having all committees led by extreme liberals is bad policy for the House. This will sink the dems in 2010. It is bad enough old Nancy appears to not be challenged for Speaker's position. She is a disaster and the only reason why the dems were successful is because of Obama's coat tails. Old Nancy came to Michigan to help a Congresswoman and you could fit more people in a phone booth then actually attended her event in Wyandotte. Watch, the dems will lose house seats in 2010 if the Speaker keeps promoting unhealthy in-fighting in the Dem ranks. She is the Speaker and needs to kill the Waxman discussion. Lead and do not destroy a good thing!

[nibblybits]

Oh, now I see. One person...several aliases. With only a handful of comments, all in favor of that corrupt old gasbag John Dingell. Are you one of his lobbyist pals, fearful of your gravy train losing his place?

[LaFlow]

The only significant thing I remember Waxman for holding a series of hearings to investigate steroids in baseball while at the same time Rome was burning.

Dingell might not be the most charismatic congressperson, and he certainly sides with Detroit far more than I am comfortable with. But I'm afraid if Waxman succeeds it may be difficult to get substantial bipartisan support for significant climate change legislation during the new session.

I must admit I'm biased, I'm a scientist that studies climate change.

[DaBishop]

Congressman Dingell has a proven track record of fighting for issues that matter most to working families. He is a man of integrity and has served our Country well. With the current mess our country faces, thanks to eight years of republican rule, we need someone who has a proven track record to help President Elect Obama get his agenda through Congress. Congressman Dingell's experience is needed now, more than ever.

[nibblybits]

One comment, in favor of Dingell, just like the 6 aliases around you. Same guy?

[Brownstown]

Just keep saying the same thing Nibbles. I'm sure you are all the rage in Hollywood with these deep insights.

[Brownstown]

It is important to remember that CAFE is only part of what will come before Energy and Commerce, and John Dingell can do a much better job shepherding legislation through that committee and into law than Waxman.

In the last Congress, Chairman Dingell and his committee held 174 hearings, 91 bills went through their committee and passed the House, and 27 of them became law. All of that with a Republican filibuster always possible in the Senate and with Bush to work around.

On the other hand, here are Chairman Waxman's sponsored legislation and committee results:(crickets chirping)

John Dingell has been a primary advocate and sponsor of the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, the Endangered Species Act, and the first time CAFE standards were legislated back in the 70s. CAFE standards were raised last year (putting to rest the idea that he somehow has single-handedly prevented them from rising) and have continued to rise over time.

He has always been an advocate of health care reform and would move us to a single-payer universal system if it was up to him.

President Obama will still face entrenched right-wing opposition to his agenda. 70% of the bills in Congress move through Energy & Commerce. John Dingell is the man who can get the President's agenda through Congress. Dingell needs to stay.

[nibblybits]

Isn't it obvious that Brownstown, DownRiver, DownRiverMan, and DaBishop are all the same person? A stooge working to promote a stooge.

Dingell will stop at nothing to hold on to his chairmanship, even though he stands in the way of progress. He's not interested in America, only in profiting from his own special interests.

Check out the profiles of these aliases yourselves: all new, with only a couple comments each, all in favor of Dingell. One of his aides? Or one of his lobbyist cronies?

[Brownstown]

Sorry that, unlike you, I have not yet commented on the National Enquirer saying Cindy McCain is having an affair. Oh, if only I posted on important subjects like that as you have.

Alternately, I could have posted 10 times all saying the same thing. Way to add to the conversation here, Nibblybits.

[nibblybits]

9 comments, all on this thread and all in favor of Dingell. Lobbyist for the auto industry?

[Brownstown]

That's it. Stick to your script and keep repeating yourself.

You wanna get off message and tell me what has Waxman ever accomplished? Or is actual discussion beyond you?

[kyletertzag]

Dingell has been a fighter for his district for decades. His district is blue collar. Real live Joe the Automakers and Joe the Steelmakers and Joe Lunchbuckets live here. We are the people that the GOP pretends to care about every 4 years. John Dingell is a leader in Congress. He is a leader in defending American industry against unfair trade treaties, bad actors in the market and those who would try to decimate manufaturing in the USA. His experience is needed and will be helpful to our new President. I hope the Democratic Caucus backs the Dean of The House!

[nibblybits]

Your first comment, just like the five guys above you. A shill for Dingell?

[somefool]

I don't think much of Pelosi, but Waxman is excellent Congressman, and especially good on oversight.

[Brownstown]

What results did he get?

[Brownstown]

Still waiting for any results from his "investigations" over the last Congress.

[littleddemocrat]

Go Henry.

[spandautoseattle]

Since Mr Dingell was House Energy and Commerce Committee chairman and working so fine with Detroit's best brains, one has to look only at the results. Next.

[kittyarmy]

Of what I've heard of him so far Waxman strikes me as a man with integrity, which is rare in politics. I hope he proves to be so and hopefully he'll be a part of the changes we've been looking for.

[Brownstown]

He is a show horse diva who talks and takes center stage but does not actually accomplish anything. Is this who you want shepherding President Obama's agenda through Congress?

[nibblybits]

Better Waxman who's actually holding hearings to hold Bush accountable than that old corrupt Dingell-berry. His environmental record is laughable. He's just a lackey for the auto industry. In fact, his wife is an auto lobbyist! Yeah, we can really trust him with Obama's energy agenda...NOT!

[PT6]

Obama wants "Green Autos" and Waxman will get that done!

We need FRESH approaches to the auto industry and they should receive funding if and only if they produce "GREEN CARS" with it.

Obama wants wind, solar, and more efficient Bio-Fuels and Waxman can get that moving!

[Brownstown]

Disagree with putting strings on their funding at this time. They already have CAFE standards. Consumers want green cars and they are being developed.

As for wind, solar, and bio-fuels, Dingell is for those and has a better record of getting legislation through Congress into law.

[nibblybits]

Dingell has a record for being married to an auto lobbyist and standing in the way of progress.

[nibblybits]

Dingell is an old fogey who uses his chairmanship to squeeze more money out of lobbyists. He takes naps half the time.

[xrepublican]

It's time for REAL change in DC. The old ways aren't working. Giving big auto all they want has NOT helped them any - it's only delayed the inevietable and made teh long term consequences WORSE.

We need strategies that benefit the NATION as a whole - the WORLD as a whole - not what's 'best' for a narrow constituency. It won't matter what kind of cars Detroit builds if we end up extinct.

As for Pelosi and Reid... they are as much to blame for the Bush years - they LET IT HAPPEN. Tehy have as much a vested interest in covering it all up and sweeping things under the rug as Bush.

THIS CANNOT HAPPEN we need ACCOUNTABILITY

It is time to return to the rule of law - and making sure that the past 8 years can NEVER recur.

[nellie]

I'm a big fan of Waxman. I don't know much about Dingell. I'd certainly like to see more environmental awareness in our policy decisions.

[Brownstown]

Dingell is good on environmental issues. He recently got a 100% Conservation rating.

I think we are going to be taking up environmental issues more, now that we won't have an anti-environmental president there like the last eight years.

[nibblybits]

He's got a horrible rating on environment. But we've seen your profile. You are obviously on Dingell's payroll.

[nibblybits]

What a joke. Dingell's only for the Big 3, only for fossil fuels. For the decades he's been in Washington.