Leadership panel backs Waxman for energy chairman

WASHINGTON (AP)

But Waxman and Dingell, D-Mich., will still square off on Thursday when rank-and-file Democrats vote. Dingell’s allies believe he’ll do better among the broader Democratic caucus.

“That Steering and Policy Committee doesn’t reflect the makeup of the caucus,” said Rep. Mike Doyle, D-Pa., a leader of an effort to keep Dingell in place. “It’s heavily weighted with people more likely to be supportive of Henry.”