2008 Musical Chairs
posted by on November 7 at 16:35 PM
Here’s something interesting that I learned this morning: Washington’s senior Senator, Democrat Patty Murray, could be a big beneficiary of some post-election reshuffling that’s likely to take place in the Senate.
The scenario: Senator Robert Byrd of West Virginia, now 90 years old, is removed from his post as Chairman of the Appropriations Committee. Which means Murray, who has been doing a lot of hard work helping the aging Byrd run the committee, moves up significantly in appropriations influence.
At the same time, Senator Joe Lieberman, ardent McCain supporter, is stripped of his chairmanship of the Committee on Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs. In which case Senator Daniel Akaka of Hawaii would likely be given Lieberman’s post. That would mean that Sen. Akaka would have to give up his chairmanship of the Committee on Veteran’s Affairs (because a Senator can only hold one chairmanship at a time), which would give Murray, next in line on that committee, a very strong shot at becoming the first female chair of Veteran’s Affairs.
UPDATE: As I was typing, I realized that half of this scenario happened today. Byrd has now stepped aside. Patty Murray: movin’ on up in appropriations. Veterans Affairs next?
i'd like to see her move to chair appropriations. someone has to bring the 7th the federal dollars that mcdermott is too pure to fight for.
Wow, when was the last time two committees were chaired by senators from Hawaii? And Obama has Hawaiian roots...man, this is a big year for Hawaii! What's next, Jack Lord heading the DNC?
Actually, all of it happened. Byrd is gone and Lieberman is talking with the GOP right now.
Expect something in the next news cycle.
What about Maria Cantwell? Does she benefit from any of this reshuffling.
Not bad for The Mom In Tennis Shoes.
Now, let's hope she doesn't f*ck us again on DOMA or other progressive issues if they come around the legislative bend.
Great, our own pig farmer, moving up the ladder. At least Byrd is out.
They should give the Veterans Affairs committee chair to someone who is actually a Vet not a mom in tennis shoes who traded them in for a pair of pumps.
Folks-- You want her right where she is until the next light rail grant from the feds -- sitting in DOT's desk right now -- is locked in. That grant will enable start of construction in January of a subway from downtown to UW. There's your economic stimulus!
Murray doesn't actually move up in the rankings of the Appropriations Committee. Byrd remains on the committee, so I wouldn't expect Murray's position as chair of the Transportation subcommittee to change.
And DingoRossi, go piss up a rope. Murray has had members of her family in the military and she's been an incredible fighter for veterans and better oversight of the VA system. She'll be a fine chair of Veterans Affairs.
Don't you mean Senator Dan Inoyue, not Akaka? They're both named Dan and their both Senators from Hawaii, but Inoyue is next in line.
Nevermind.
As a veteran, I could not be more pleased to see Sen. Murray take on Veterans Affairs. While the Bush administration starved Veteran's Hospitals of desperately needed funds for returning service personnel, Sen. Murray fought them. She's a capable and compassionate leader and a great Senator.