Waxman Gets Preliminary Nod for House Commerce Chair
Closed-door balloting Wednesday gave Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Calif., 25 votes to 22 for John Dingell of Michigan to get the steering committee nomination for House Commerce Committee chairman, a Democratic source said. The full Democratic caucus votes Thursday on who will get the chairmanship.
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Waxman’s win did not come as a complete surprise to Hill and lobbying sources watching the closely contested race, many of whom had handicapped Waxman to win the steering vote. A member who fails to win a steering committee nomination can seek a caucus vote if he or she gets more than 13 votes. It’s hard to predict who will win in caucus because some members, including Majority Whip Jim Clyburn, D-S.C., have declined to publicly endorse either candidate. Waxman was said to have an edge in the steering committee, but those in the Dingell camp think Waxman will lose in the caucus vote.
“Dingell has built strong support across the entire caucus, where this election will be decided,” his spokeswoman Jodi Seth said Wednesday. “His appeal has always been caucus-wide and when this vote is put to the full and diverse caucus we have no doubt Dingell will continue his Chairmanship.” Dingell supporters held a press call following the vote, expressing confidence the caucus would choose Dingell. Waxman has waged a quieter campaign and is thought to have built support among newly elected members, only three of whom have publicly supported Dingell.
Telecom and technology issues have nothing to do with the race, which centers on which direction the committee will take on environmental and energy legislation. Waxman launched his campaign because he believes he’s better suited than Dingell to carry out President-Elect Barack Obama’s agenda, he said when announcing his candidacy the day after Election Day. But Dingell has fought for his job around the clock, calling members to defend his past record and outlining his plans for the new Congress.
Telecom, media and Internet industry officials are keeping a close eye on the race, even if it doesn’t center on their issues. Many are privately supporting Dingell because he’s viewed as a consensus builder. No one has been willing to make a public statement for fear of alienating either member. There is precedent for a steering committee to nominate someone other than the sitting chairman of a committee, but it’s rare.