Support the man who has supported us.

While honoring Dingell's service (4.00 / 2)

(and there is a LOT to honor!), -- it makes me uncomfortable to read/hear some of the "how dare he" responses to Waxman's challenge that have been floating around.

Waxman wants a shot at the chairmanship. He doesn't have  Dingell's experience or clout, but since it's the House of Representatives and not the House of Lords, he does have the right to try.

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by: kelster @ Fri Nov 07, 2008 at 11:16:31 AM UTC

Nader (0.00 / 0)

By that line of reasoning, people should not be criticizing Nader or other third-party candidates for running. They have every right to do so.

(I am not saying that I necessarily disagree with that conclusion -- I just wanted to point out the implications.)

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by: boehmianrhapsody @ Fri Nov 07, 2008 at 12:31:39 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

You're correct (0.00 / 0)

3rd party candidates do have a right to run.  Whether or not such campaigns are realistic is a different question.

The Dingell-Waxman case is different, too.  It involves two already-elected officials from the same party competing for a committee chairmanship. Inside baseball, if you will...

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by: kelster @ Fri Nov 07, 2008 at 13:24:32 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Dingell deserves to stay (0.00 / 0)

As a constituent of Congressman Dingell, I think he should remain chairman. Actually, I've been looking forward to seeing what he can do in that position with a Democratic president, House, and Senate. As director of Michigan Peaceworks from 2001-2006, I have had many opportunities to meet with Dingell and his hard-working staff. I grew to admire the man and learned that he has the power to make things happen. While I have not always agreed with Dingell's stances, at least he's willing to meet with his constituents and explain his actions. He's also a good listener. Dingell believes that government exists to serve people and that we need a strong social safety net. He has worked hard to protect Social Security and wants to extend health care to all. He has also opposed the Iraq War since the start and been a consistent critic of the war -- even proposing legislation to bring the troops home. That's more than I can say for Waxman. I believe that Dingell is the type of New-Deal Democrat we need during these tough economic times.  

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by: Phillis Engelbert @ Mon Nov 10, 2008 at 00:13:14 AM UTC