Michigan Delegation Defends Dingell

Members of both parties in Michigan’s congressional delegation rallied around their longest-serving colleague, Rep. John Dingell (D-Mich.), after he was ousted from his chairmanship of the House Energy and Commerce Committee Thursday.

“We have a strong delegation,” Rep. Dale Kildee (D-Mich.) told the Detroit News. “We’ll work closer together. And we’ll work with [Rep.] Henry Waxman (D-Calif.).”

Waxman successfully staged a coup among the Democratic caucus to take control of Dingell’s long-held Energy and Commerce gavel.

“I have had a significant loss of clout,” Dingell told the News about his loss. “I will have to make up for it with hard work and with extra effort.”

The overthrow of Dingell was “a disturbing shot at Michigan workers,” Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Mich.) added.

Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Mich.) told the Detroit Free Press that the ouster sent a poor message to U.S. automakers, whose troubles have led to recent pleas for a federal bailout on Capitol Hill.

Rep. Thaddeus McCotter (R-Mich.) said the developments were “another body blow” to the auto industry and Michigan’s workers, who depend in large numbers on the success of the industry.

–Michael O’Brien