By David M. Herszehorn & Robert Pear
Representative Sander M. Levin a liberal Michigan Democrat will replace Charles B. Rangel of New York as the chairman of the tax-writing Ways and Means Committee House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told the Democratic caucus Thursday morning.
The ascent of Mr. Levin who was the second in line in seniority for the post avoided a protracted internal battle. By seniority Representative Pete Stark Democrat of California had been first in line to replace Mr. Rangel who stepped aside on Wednesday after being reprimanded last week by the House Ethics Committee for accepting corporate-sponsored trips to the Caribbean in violation of gift rules.
But Mr. Stark is known to be abrasive and had his own brush with the ethics committee though he was cleared of any wrongdoing. He will remain as chairman of the health subcommittee a particularly prominent post amid the final push to complete sweeping health care legislation.
After meetings among committee members on Wednesday Mr. Levin appeared to have the panels support but Mr. Stark could have put up a fight.
Mr. Levin a champion of organized labor who represents suburban Detroit was elected in 1982 and is serving his 14th term. Emerging from a caucus meeting Thursday morning he said that he would serve as acting chairman" and appeared to have mixed feelings about the circumstances that led to his appointment.
You know my close relationship with Charlie" he said referring to Mr. Rangel.
In a statement released later in the day Mr. Levin said he would press ahead with the committees agenda. The Ways and Means Committee plays a vital role on critical issues facing American families including job creation economic development and health care" he said. I look forward to moving vigorously on this agenda. That means working collaboratively with Democrats on the Committee and the entire caucus with Congressional leadership and the Obama Administration and undertaking discussions with Republicans in order to move our nation forward."
Mr. Levins younger brother Carl is Michigans senior senator and the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee. Until now Mr. Levin who is known as Sandy had been chairman of a subcommittee on trade.
Representative Henry Waxman Democrat of California and chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee said Mr. Levin had the unanimous support of Democrats on the Ways and Means Committee. Mr. Stark he said asked that his name be withdrawn."
Mr. Rangel said that Mr. Stark had delivered a letter to Ms. Pelosi saying he wanted to remain chairman of the health subcommittee. On Mr. Levins appointment he said Its the best thing for the country the Congress and the committee under the circumstances. I love him. He is good. He is thorough. He has got a reputation. And he is going to do us well."
