More than two years ago, on November 9, 2008, I wrote:

“Nancy Pelosi, flush with the excitement of a new expanded majority and a new liberal post-partisan President, took two steps to may make her time as Speaker fairly short.. First, she kissed good-bye to Rahm Emanual, the fiery, combative and highly partisan Caucus leader…Second, she is backing the coup against John Dingell, led by Henry Waxman…As a republican strategist, I am delighted by this power play, because it could mean the beginning of a divided and weaker Democratic caucus…Dingell has been one of the most effective Chairman in the history of the House, so taking him out would be good for Republicans.. Sacking a Chairman because he incompetent is one thing. Sacking a Chairman because of a personal slight or because he disagrees with you on an issue is something completely different..Most members will support a Speaker who sacks an incapacitated or incompetent Chairman. But some members will grow very nervous when a Chairman is sacked for political reasons. They know that the bell may next toll for them.”

I thought of that column in the context of the current race for Energy and Commerce Chairman in the new Republican-led Congress.  Read more...