There are rumblings within the Senate Democratic caucus that Daniel Inouye (D-HI) should give up his gavel as chairman of the Appropriations Committee. Basically, some senators think he is too old and infirm to run the committee, and that he has delegated too much to his staff which just does the bidding of the Obama administration.
I don’t have an opinion on the merits of this critique, but I want to point out that such a move would have big implications. If Inouye were to step down, Patrick Leahy of Vermont would take over. He would have to give his chair of Judiciary to Diane Feinstein who would have to give her gavel of Intelligence to Barbara Mikulski.
And Daniel Inouye has enough seniority to claim the chair of Commerce (Rockefeller), Rules (Schumer), or Indian Affairs (Cantwell).
I don’t think anything is going to happen, but Inouye was recently hospitalized with problems breathing. If he doesn’t continue his role chairing Appropriations, there could be a big reshuffling of power in the Senate.
I’ve no insight on any of this, but must ask: How does one get a gavel of Intelligence?
Seniority and luck.
Rather Harkin take Appropriations than Leahy. Feinstein at Judiciary doesn’t seem helpful.
Leahy wants it.
So Feinstein to Judiciary. Rockefeller to Intelligence. Using strict seniority, how do the rest of the committees go?
Rockefeller already did his stint at Intelligence. It would go to Mikulski who has waited longer than anyone ever to get a chair.
It’s not going to happen, though.
It’s not going to happen. What’s not going to happen?
If Leahy goes to Appropriations from Judiciary, the Feinstein either takes Judiciary or it goes to Schumer. Kohl is out, replaced by Baldwin.
If Inouye is not going to step down, why the diary?
Why not be bi-partisan and give it to a Republican? Too bad DeMint quit.