In a move that I think well-demonstrates the direction that Republicans intend on going towards in 2009, California Republican congressman Darrell Issa appears set to become the ranking GOP member on the House Oversight Committee. Issa is one of the GOP's conservative leaders, and he is well known for being particularly combative with Democrats.
Granted, the Oversight Committee is by its very nature one of the most partisan and political bodies in Congress, therefore, it makes sense that the parties stock it with staunch loyalists, and it is always chaired by a good soldier. Nevertheless, it is salient that Issa will get position despite being around seventh in seniority. Several members above him may not want the job, but to jump over so many of them stands out. This appointment became possible when Chris Shays, who was next in line for the post with the retirement of current ranking member Tom Davis, lost last week.
The GOP is sending a message in the form of Darrell Issa. It is also important to note that he and current chair Henry Waxman despise each other. In one memorable exchange this year, Waxman threatened to have Issa removed from a hearing for constant interruptions. It will be fun to see how Issa interacts on the committee if Waxman is unsuccessful in his challenge of Energy and Commerce chairman John Dingell. Even if he is gone, be sure that Issa will not have a cordial relationship with his successor after long.
Issa's selection shows that the GOP is going to dig in its heels, and likely not move an inch towards the political center.
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2 comments:
Yup...see my post under your Lieberman diary. I agree...anyone who thought the GOP was going to fold and become David Cameron's mushy Tory party is the monkey's uncle. Issa reminds of former Rep. Bob Walker (R-PA) whom Dems made fun off while he regularly slashed the Dem leadership with poisoned daggers. We'll see if the Dems have their guns loaded.
Issa is going to be a huge thorn in Dems' side. That being said, he is kind of a dolt. He funded Gray Davis' recall in California and intended to run, but had to tearfully withdraw when Arnold Schwarzenegger ran. He has also run unsuccessfully for leadership multiple times. But yes, Dems should be ready for the GOP to dig in their heals next year.
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