Power Play

There is lots of in house tussling over who will control the House Energy and commerce Committee in the new Congress.

Rep. Henry Waxman of California is challenging Rep. John Dingell of Michigan for the seat. Dingell has been the top Democrat on the committee for nearly three decades.

Up for grabs is who will set the agenda for climate change and energy legislation in 2009 and beyond. Many have criticized Dingell, whose state is home to the big three auto makers, for not aggressively addressing energy and climate issues. Waxman promises a fresh outlook and commitment to the Obama legislative agenda.