Waxman Gains Early Support on House Commerce Committee Chairmanship

Rep Henry Waxman (D-CA) has won a preliminary vote over Rep John Dingell (D-MI) in their battle to head the House Commerce Committee which oversees all broadcast, telecom and health legislation. On the eve of tomorrow's vote of Democratic House members on who will head the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Rep Waxman won the support of the Democratic leadership panel, which will make a recommendation to Democratic representatives. Rep Waxman, who has headed the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, had announced he was taking on Rep. Dingell, who is the longest-serving member of the House. The two have had past differences on health and some drug issues. Rep. Waxman has been far more activist than Rep. Dingell.