Henry Waxman picked to lead committee on energy, global warming
Waxman, chosen for the crucial House post by a leadership panel, is considered the favorite to replace John Dingell. He would bring a more environmentally friendly agenda.
washington -- A spokeswoman for Rep. Henry Waxman says he's been selected by a key leadership panel to replace veteran Chairman John Dingell as head of a crucial House committee with jurisdiction over energy and global warming.
Karen Lightfoot said that Waxman and Michigan Democrat Dingell will still square off Thursday in a vote of House rank-and-file Democrats. But based on a 25-22 vote in the leadership panel Wednesday, Waxman has to be considered the favorite to topple Dingell, the longest-serving House member.
Waxman, a Californian, would bring a more environmentally friendly agenda to the committee as it considers global warming, energy and other issues such as health matters. Dingell is a longtime ally of Detroit's auto industry, and he and Waxman have battled in the past over clean air laws.
