Earlier today, Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Los Angeles, scored an upset victory over Rep. John Dingell, D-Mich., for the chairmanship of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Dingell had been the top Democrat on the committee since 1981, and had long defended Detroit's automakers from environmental regulation.
Waxman's victory, by vote of 137-122, is a win for environmentalists and the liberal wing of the Democratic Party. It was a secret ballot, but South Bay Rep. Jane Harman agreed to disclose her vote:
Waxman's victory, by vote of 137-122, is a win for environmentalists and the liberal wing of the Democratic Party. It was a secret ballot, but South Bay Rep. Jane Harman agreed to disclose her vote:
"I'm disappointed it came to a vote and urged the parties to find a graceful settlement. But as a Californian, proud of my 100 % environmental voting record and a strong supporter of climate change legislation, I voted for Henry Waxman."
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