Kucinich officially seeks top oversight spot opposite Issa

[babylonsister]

GOOOO, Dennis!

http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/129623-kucinich-officially-seeks-top-oversight-spot-opposite-issa

Kucinich officially seeks top oversight spot opposite Issa
By Michael O'Brien - 11/17/10 09:28 AM ET


Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio) announced a bid Wednesday to lead Democrats on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee.

Kucinich officially announced he would look to unseat Rep. Edolphus Towns (D-N.Y.), the committee's outgoing chairman, to counter Rep. Darrell Issa (Calif.), the incoming GOP chairman of the committee.

Kucinich said the committee needs a strong Democrat to oppose Issa, a figure who's expected to use his new chairmanship to launch numerous and aggressive investigations of the Obama administration.

"We cannot simply stand by idly and hope that such a reckless approach to the use of the power of the chair will not happen, especially since it is not only being promised, but demonstrated by the person who will hold the gavel," Kucinich wrote in a "Dear Colleague" letter.

Kucinich currently serves as the fifth-ranking Democrat on the committee, and while he didn't mention Towns by name, he insinuated that the New York Democrat wouldn't be an adequate counterweight to Issa.

"Aggressive and thorough oversight is never to be feared. It is a goal," Kucinich wrote. "Now, with the change in the leadership of the Committee, we must be ready to preserve that goal tirelessly, courageously and unstintingly. That is the only way we can defend the integrity of congressional oversight from becoming an abusive power."

Democrats vote this week on leadership positions and committee chairmanships.

[Schema Thing]

1. yes to this.

[fascisthunter]

2. excellent

[cascadiance]

3. I remember many wanting this to happen after Waxman left this committee last congress!

Long overdue! He would be excellent for this Hopefully he can get full leadership power in 2012.

[Jensen]

4. Great a Dem with a back bone is what is needed!

[NV Whino]

5. Go for it, Dennis

Exactly where we need you.

[WhiteTara]

6. Go Dennis!

:woohoo:

[druidity33]

7. who votes on this?

Everyone on the committee? Who's on the Committee? Phone List?

:shrug:

[onenote]

13. Technically, its decided by a vote of the full House

based on nominations submitted by the respective party caucus or conference. I am not positive, but I believe that the process by which the nominations are made by the Democratic Caucus flows through the Steering Committee, whose members are selected by Pelosi.

[Ramulux]

8. Hell yes

This is such great news. Kucinich would be a perfect counter to Issa's craziness. Also, if we were to take back the house in 2 years, he would be awesome as chairman. The fight for this position is more important to me than anything else because of the effects it could have down the road.

[jenmito]

9. I REALLY hope he gets the spot! K&R!

[dmr]

10. I hope he gets it. We need someone who'll dog Issa's blood thirst against our

President.

Go Dennis. Would be so cool to have Anthony Weiner on that committee, too! Sparks would fly!

[disillusioned73]

11. Well, if there was a time....

for this administration to return the favor in regards to his heath insurance ""reform" vote - the time has come.

[Celtic Raven]

12. K&R for Dennis!

Love for DK to get this instead of any Republican/Teabagger. And simply because I'd love for Dennis to be in the position to take names and kick ass as necessary.

:thumbsup: