Well we're moving on up...
Carla Axtman
Oregon's influence in the federal legislative sphere would be appear to be gaining steam.
Keith Chu via The Bend Bulletin:
A few days after seeing his political clout rise, Rep. Greg Walden, R-Hood River, also gained more influence over policy on Wednesday, when he was named the top Republican on the subcommittee that has launched a host of high-profile investigations in recent years.Walden is now ranking member of the Oversight and Investigation Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. The subcommittee has authority to investigate issues ranging from the price of energy to nuclear security, to threats to food safety. It’s the second promotion Walden has gotten this week, following the news on Monday that he will be the second-ranking official on the National Republican Congressional Committee, which directs campaign activities for the House GOP.
I don't know how much gravitas being the #2 guy at the NRCC gets you these days, but I suppose its better than a root canal. And being the top Republican on an important subcommittee is certainly worth some juice.
Senator Wyden is on a climb as well:
Oregon’s senators also learneed of their committee assignments on Wednesday. Sen. Ron Wyden moved up the seniority ladder in his four current committees. He is now the third-ranking Democrat on the Aging Committee, Budget Committee and Intelligence Committee. Wyden is seventh in seniority on the Finance Committee.Wyden is second in line to lead the Intelligence Committee, because the second-ranking senator, Jay Rockefeller of West Virginia, took over chairmanship of the Senate Commerce Committee and members cannot chair more than one committee.
Current Chairwoman Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., has publicity discussed running for governor of California, but told the Los Angeles Times on Wednesday that she had not made a decision on whether to leave the Senate.
Here's hoping DiFi can't resist the California Governorship and makes room for Wyden at the top of Intelligence.
They're moving on up......
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connect with blueoregon
Jan 15, '09
"The Queen of Hearts" for governor of CA? Perfect! Just think how much more that beautiful state will be destroyed and further bankrupted with that witch at the helm. -- "Border fence? Don't need that anymore. COME ONE, COME ALL! Free health care, housing, and education for every indigent illegal who can get here! WE'RE HAVIN' A PARTY (at taxpayers' expense, of course)!!!!! Next question please... A: Oh, yes, my husband's business interests continue to do VERY well despite my having left the Senate. Very well indeed." wink, wink
Between her and Boxer, I can't decide which one I despise more...
Wyden? - (It will only be censored, so I will leave it alone.)
Walden? - I prefer my representatives show some passion and not be mistaken for a wet mop.
Jan 15, '09
Miss this one folks?
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=54932
Jan 15, '09
Umm...okay.
So back to Wyden, Walden and the rest of the Oregon delegation.
This has been a public service announcement.
Jan 15, '09
So why did you bring up "DiFi" (how cute) to begin with?
BTW: CNN has the market cornered on the overuse of "gravitas". Do the enlightened progressives all get the same "Word Of The Day" email?
How I got routed to this site is beyond me. Now I'm bored with you kids. Go do something productive with yourselves...
Jan 15, '09
So why did you bring up "DiFi" (how cute) to begin with?
Did you read the post..? Wyden is first in line to become Chair of the Intelligence Cmte if DiFi bolts. That's a big deal for a Senator from Oregon.
If you're so bored..don't let the door hit ya in the ass on the way out.
1:14 p.m.
Jan 15, '09
Sen. Wyden would be a great chair for the Senate Intelligence Committee. He'd be good for the nation, but I don't see what specific good that position does for us in the State of Oregon. I'd like to think he'd wake up to the national security, make that intelligence, aspects of not having enough intelligence personnel proficient in critical foreign languages - like Mandarin, Arabic, Korean, Russian, Pashto, and others,- and support programs for those languages in our K-12 educational system.
Jan 15, '09
But OMG, Carla, did you read the latest, greatest thing to be posted on Free Republic and Little Green Footballs???
Jan 15, '09
Well, one good thing to say about Walden ...
He is so used to sitting at the back row in Congress, the kiddy table if you will, that he probably won't find his voice. If he did find his voice, he'd just be obstructionist.
Unfortunately (and here I depart from saying "good" things about my Congressman), Walden just might try to use the high profile of being "obstructionist" to gain support from the Oregon Republicans for a run towards the Governor's office. Then again, that would be a good thing too - in that he'd lose the race for Gov., and I'd get a new Congress person.
People think that the Republicans have a lock on the Second CD. I don't think so much. Wyden wins here. Walden has/had a whole lot of money, but a new candidate - given the current State of the Republican Party and their bankrupt finances - Well, we just could win that one!
Jan 15, '09
Interesting post Carla. But your first sentence couldn't be more off base. Oregon just lost a senator with 12 years of seniority who had chairmanship of a full committee (Aging) -- something Wyden has yet to accomplish. Oregon also lost Hooley, who was rumored to be close to Appropriations. Now we've got Senator #100, who's dead last on both committees that he's on. And Wyden's SEVENTH in line to chair the Finance Committee. If seniority and committee chairmanship is of interest to us, Oregon just took two steps back and one small shuffle forward.
3:17 p.m.
Jan 15, '09
Interesting post Carla. But your first sentence couldn't be more off base. Oregon just lost a senator with 12 years of seniority who had chairmanship of a full committee (Aging) -- something Wyden has yet to accomplish.
The Committee on Aging...? C'mon...having a SEAT on Intelligence is more worthwhile than a full Chair in that cmte...jeez.
You're referring of course to Gordon Smith, who was ranked 50th in terms of influence in the Senate (Wyden was ranked 37) last year. Not exactly an overwhelming reason to hold on to Smith, if that's your point.
Jan 15, '09
CedearSap is dead on...in terms of seniority, Oregon clearly shot itself in the face by sending Jeff Merkley to the US Senate. Speaking of Merkley in the Senate, I keep waiting for the outraged post by deadbeat Kevin or Carla slamming Mr. Merkley for canceling out Ron Wyden's vote today. Not only did Merkley flip from his original position on the bailout with is vote today, but he also canceled out Ron Wyden..leaving Oregon with "no net representation" in the US senate...to put it in words Merkley would mumble. Where's the outrage here? If this was Gordon Smith canceling out Wyden, you'd be outside his office with the first American flag and lighter fluid you guys could find...but when this D-bag does it..nothing..silence...way to stick to your convictions.
To no one's surprise though, Jeff voted right along with his Daddy, Chuck Schumer..shocker.. Had enough of this ass clown yet?
Jan 15, '09
Hee Hee, you Libs crack me up. We were using the door in the ass line 30 years ago in elementary school. I thought progressive included adapting and changing with the times. I'm searching your site for "sharp elbows" and Rahm Emanuel to see if you got that memo too.
Let me know when one of my stellar representatives heads Appropriations. Then I'll get excited about the skimming off the top my beautiful-turned-Socialist state will receive (probably just get spent on new abortion clinics and medical marijuana shops though). Yeah, Smith headed the Aging committee, CedarSap. That's right up there with being the best ballerina at the local animal shelter. Let me save us all some time and money -- We are born, we age, then we die. Committee dissolved! There, I just accomplished more than Smith did in his two terms.
I'll be back Carla! Can't wait to hear about the trumpets, fanfare, and celestial bliss Obama The Savior will be greeted with next week. Can't wait until he repeals "don't ask, don't tell". There goes our military.
(Just thinking about using Wyden and intelligence in the same sentence just made me pee my pants from the laughter.)
3:39 p.m.
Jan 15, '09
Well..I see the conservatives have arrived with their usual class and grace.
Yippee!
Jan 15, '09
Well..I see the conservatives have arrived with their usual class and grace.
Yippee!
As opposed to the superior dignity and elegance liberals project...
If you think you've got ME pegged for a conservative, sister, you're not reading closely enough. So much for that Journalism degree. Matter of fact you can put me down as Unaffiliated because both sides make me sick.
Time for a beer.
Jan 15, '09
Before I start pounding beers I gotta know...
The ad on your site for "Dreams of Obama" -- what, was he snorting coke in college AND smoking peyote? What a well-rounded president we have. I'm so proud.
Jan 15, '09
Personally, I believe it is a good thing overall when any of our delegation get to a position of influence on any committee they are serving on. Senator Wyden has been a terrific partner for the city of Springfield over the years so I congratulate him.
I also congratulate Congressman Walden on his promotions as well. Even though he is not my congressman I have been able to connect with his office over the years to advocate for my city's priorities and he has clearly been there for us.
Jan 15, '09
aah, something we all can agree on.
4:15 p.m.
Jan 15, '09
If you think you've got ME pegged for a conservative, sister, you're not reading closely enough. So much for that Journalism degree. Matter of fact you can put me down as Unaffiliated because both sides make me sick.
Pegged? Naw...just going by how you handle yourself here. Where did you read that I have a journalism degree? I'm dreadfully curious about that one....
Both sides make you sick? You must be one of those wimpy folks who can't handle the political ocean, then. :)
I will have a beer, tho. You're not going to get actually upchuck sick, right?
Jan 15, '09
Ah, so you're a self-made blogger like people put on their resume. Degree? We don't need no stinkin' degree! (It was just a shot in the dark that missed, apparently)
I have to admit, I've seen some good, rational posts here and there on this site. I simply can not handle the alacrity of those who believe they are going to be led to heaven's gate by Obama, nor can I stomach the two-faced, mealy-mouthed R party.
Oh, I can handle the ocean. I simply refuse to join a club, whether it be left or right because I'm neither. Maybe I'm the enlightened progressive here. What do ya think?
Cheers on that beer! I think I'll be fine. Thanks for the concern, however. :)
4:55 p.m.
Jan 15, '09
Seniority doesn't mean crap if a Senator is using that seniority to vote the exact opposite of the position the majority of Oregonians take on an issue.
Gordon Smith voted and acted over and over again in direct opposition of how Oregonians wanted. Needless to say, they finally got tired of it and fired him.
Yes, Wyden and Merkley are not always going to vote the same way. Why is that such a surprise? I didn't realize we sent Merkley to DC to echo Wyden. There are going to be disagreements on just about any topic that comes up, especially one such as the economic bailout.
Also, the vote had nothing to do with Schumer. It had to do with Obama. Yes, people have been unhappy with how the bailout funds have been used... BY THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION. The vote today was to block the OBAMA ADMINISTRATION from using those funds. Wyden voted to block Obama from using them; Merkley voted against blocking Obama. Six Republicans voted to release the funds for Obama to use (a "nay" vote) and nine Democrats voted to block Obama from accessing those funds (a "yea" vote).
Boy, the Democrat/Merkley haters sure seem to be out in force today. I feel like I'm back in elementary school again with the name calling and such.
5:20 p.m.
Jan 15, '09
Ah, so you're a self-made blogger like people put on their resume. Degree? We don't need no stinkin' degree! (It was just a shot in the dark that missed, apparently)
LOL...you say "self-made blogger" like that isn't how everyone does it. If you know where they give out the PhDs in Blogology, share that info with the rest of us!
Oh, I can handle the ocean. I simply refuse to join a club, whether it be left or right because I'm neither. Maybe I'm the enlightened progressive here. What do ya think?
So being conservative puts one in a "club", but being a progressive doesn't?
Fascinating.
Jan 16, '09
Posted by: KM | Jan 15, 2009 3:59:26 PM
Before I start pounding beers I gotta know...
The ad on your site for "Dreams of Obama" -- what, was he snorting coke in college AND smoking peyote? What a well-rounded president we have. I'm so proud.
It takes the edge off the coke revelation. I mean, it would be worse to hear that he just snorted coke in college. Coke speaks to privilege, poor tastes and values, unlike Peyote. Bill Clinton doubled the Federal non-violent drug offender population. I'll judge Obama by those numbers, on this issue. If he does the same, he's just a much the hypocrite as Free Willy. People that ask about the number of Dems voting to authorize the war overlook a simple motive. They wanted to. THe vote this week was fear of AIPAC? The Humane Society has more members! If the public doesn't make a big deal of it, it's fair game. Make sure Obama hears about your views on the WOD!
Jan 18, '09
Wyden, according to my notes, is #2 on Aging (behind Herb Kohl).
<h1>4 on Budget (behind Kent Conrad, Patty Murray, and Russ Feingold)</h1> <h1>3 on Energy and Natural Resources (beind Jeff Bingamen and Byron Dorgan)</h1> <h1>7 on Finance (behind Max Baucus, Jay Rockefeller, Kent Conrad, Jeff Bingamen, John Kerry, and Blanche Lincoln)</h1> <h1>3 on Intelligence (behind Dianne Feinstein and Jay Rockefeller)</h1> <h2>His most likely chance for a committee chair is on Intelligence, when Dianne Feinstein leaves the Senate, he'll be next in line to get the chair (since Jay Rockefeller will probably continue in Commerce). Other than that, his next most likely is Energy, when Jeff Bingamen leaves, but only if Byron Dorgan wants to continue with his Indian Affairs Chairmanship, and leave the Energy Committee to Ron Wyden.</h2>