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Waxman Counts on Freshmen to Win Energy Post

But Dingell thinks history, fear, money will allow him to keep chair

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 18, 2008 12:31 PM CST
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(Newser) – John Dingell has spent a lot more money than Henry Waxman in his quest to keep his chairmanship of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, lavishing gifts on the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. But Waxman has a strategy, Politico reports. The California rep gave generously to 19 promising Democratic candidates. Most won, and they'll come to Washington without reverence for Dingell’s glory days.

Dingell’s support comes primarily from conservative Blue Dog Democrats and influential Black Caucus members invested in the traditional seniority system. His supporters think he’ll win based on fear—no one, they think, wants to cross “the Truck.” But Waxman thinks his quiet majority of newcomers and liberals will win the day. Despite Dingell’s recent moves leftward on climate change, Waxman remains the stauncher environmentalist.

House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Rep. John Dingell of Michigan asks a question of a panel of witnesses on Capitol Hill in Washington, Monday, June 23, 2008.
House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Rep. John Dingell of Michigan asks a question of a panel of witnesses on Capitol Hill in Washington, Monday, June 23, 2008.   (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
In this Sept. 24, 2008 file photo, House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman John Dingell, accompanied by Debbie Stabenow meets with reporters on Capitol Hill in Washington.
In this Sept. 24, 2008 file photo, House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman John Dingell, accompanied by Debbie Stabenow meets with reporters on Capitol Hill in Washington.   (AP Photo/Lauren Victoria Burke, File)
In this Feb. 26, 2008, file photo, Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Calif., questions witnesses during a hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington.
In this Feb. 26, 2008, file photo, Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Calif., questions witnesses during a hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington.   (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, File)
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Congress • Henry Waxman • House Energy and Commerce Committee • John Dingell • Blue Dog Democrats

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