Can we find someone better than John Dingell for the 15th District now?

[Fran Kubelik]

We've got 2 years. He's solidly in the pocket of energy lobbyists. I understand that he's a good liberal when it comes to social issues, and that's great. But can't we find a solid, electable Dem who has that AND some scruples when it comes to energy and finance? It seems obvious to me that Debbie is setting herself up as his successor, and I truly don't want to see his legacy continue.

[maddogesq]

1. Dingell and DLC, sitting in a tree...

My point here is that this is the next mountain our side must climb Barack is going to be a great president. However, some of the early picks for different seats at the table indicate the DLC rears it's head big time. Yes, Dingell is great on the social stuff, but that can take a back seat now because Obama has SCOTUS pick power, and we have control over both houses and the White House. Now, it is time to bring the Democratic party back down to earth and out of the corporate board rooms.

[Fran Kubelik]

2. Yes...

I think that's basically what I kind of just said...

[noonwitch]

3. People in his district like him

My cousin used to live in his district. He still lives in the same place, but got redistricted after the 2000 census, and is now in Conyers' district. He said that Dingell came around the area a lot, and Conyers sticks to Detroit and ignores the suburban areas in his district.

I got redistricted at the same time, I went from Bonior's district to Sander Levin's.

[Strawman]

4. Well you must be happy...

He's as good as gone now ... and the domestic auto industry right along with him.

Debbie will most likely win that seat if he retires (he may as well do that right now) and she runs, but if John Dingell, who was once one of the most powerful people in Congress is nothing but a speed bump for the House Leadership, do you really think Debbie Dingell will be much of an obstacle?

[Truth Teller]

5. This hurts Michigan and the auto industry

It's bad news, even if he doesn't pass all of your litmus tests. You'd rather have somoene more liberal with no clout? Pffft.

[Fran Kubelik]

6. Not more liberal.

More ethical.

[1gobluedem]

7. Yes, but who?

And with Waxman wresting the chairmanship away from Dingell both the auto industry and Great Lakes protection are in jeopardy.

[Fran Kubelik]

8. Call me naive then.

I truly didn't realize that it's always better to keep an ethically challenged politician in office simply because he has seniority.

[1gobluedem]

9. I think seniority and influence are two different things

And I'm not sure of the ethics you're referring to. Nor am I suggesting that Dingell remain. But who is going to fight for Michigan at that level now? We need somebody, who is it going to be?

Waxman doesn't give a damn about the midwest and, I'm sure, has a plan to rob the Great Lakes and splash our water all over the west which never should have been populated to the extent it has because its environment was meant to sustain a population of that size. We need people who have the guts to stand up in Congress and protect Michigan. If not Dingell, if his time is over and it may well be, who? Who will stand up for Michigan?

[Fran Kubelik]

10. I want someone to stand up for Michigan who isn't in the pocket of the energy lobby

If there isn't anyone out there, then I guess Dingell will do. But really? There is no one?

[SharonRB]

11. I think there are people, but

the question is, is there anyone who lives in the 15th District?

[1gobluedem]

12. Yes, Lynn Rivers for one but I doubt if she could be convinced to run again

There are plenty of other Congressional reps from Michigan, though. Who is going to pick up the banner to advocate for Michigan?

[Truth Teller]

13. They won't have Dingell's clout

For whatever warts he had, he was a powerful advocate for Michigan in many ways. Another rep may feel warm and fuzzy, but Michigan is losing here.

[1gobluedem]

14. Yep, that's the problem

And Michigan has more than its share of problems right now.

[cyclezealot]

15. Plus 1.

It's amazing.. Michigan has been the backbone of every Democratic electoral victory and is always taken for granted.. They should make Richardson Interior Secretary, so he'll have greater clout in stealing our water. Now, Pelosi lets the auto industry go down the drain.. Maybe, when Michigan becomes the new Appalachia, we'll get better welfare assistance programs.