Democratic Chatter 11-21-2008

George Wenschhof

House battle for chair of Energy and Commerce Committee ends - the winner by a close vote of 137-122 was California Representative Henry Waxman. He defeated John Dingall (Mich.) who had been chair of the committee since 1981. Waxman is considered much more environment friendly than Dingall. Politico.com has more here.

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Democratic Leaders ask auto makers to provide plan showing changes they will be making prior to any aid being issued - the other issue is President Bush is likely to veto any plan by Congress to use any of the 700 Billion from the Bail Out bill. President Bush has repeatedly said the earlier approved 25 Billion bill provided to the auto industry for research into more fuel efficient autos be modified to provide cash to assist the troubled auto industry. TheHill.com has more here.

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Penny Pritzker says no to Commerce Secretary - we reported yesterday she would be the pick but she quickly said no and that she will be concentrating on building her business and creating jobs. She was the chair of the national finance committee for the Obama campaign. CNN.com has more here.

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Michelle Obama names Jackie Norris as her Chief of Staff - you ask who is Jackie Norris? She was the Iowa state director for the Obama campaign. It was the convincing win in Iowa by Obama that started him on his way to the Democratic Party nomination. The Washington Post has more here.

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Yesterday, Stocks dropped another 444 and the Dow closed at 7552, the lowest level in 12 years - more banks on the bubble are Cirgroup, JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America even though they have all received funds from the Bail Out bill. The NY Times has more here. This adds to the urgency for President-elect Barack Obama to name his Treasury Secretary. Expect this announcement to come soon.

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AP reports Senator Hillary Clinton to be named Secretary of State by Obama after Thanksgiving - reportedly, agreements have been reached with former President Bill Clinton in regards to his financial disclosures and involvement with his charitable worldwide foundation. You can read more here.

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Obama campaign raised $500,000 online - an incredible amount which was achieved with donations by 3 million donors who made 6.5 million donations. The average donation was $80.00. The Washington Post has more here.

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