Wyden's other race wins him key Senate role

[JI7]

<WASHINGTON -- Sen. Ron Wyden's toughest and longest campaign came to a successful close.

It wasn't his waltz to re-election last month against a poorly funded opponent. It was his eight-year behind-the-scenes effort to persuade Democratic colleagues to name him to a key Senate committee.

In Washington, where you sit says a lot about your power and influence. And Wyden aimed for the top prize: a seat on the Senate Finance Committee, which shapes the most important policy issues confronting the nation's businesses.

Last Monday, incoming Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid announced that Wyden will be named to the committee. Sens. Hillary Clinton, Evan Bayh, Charles Schumer and Ben Nelson were among the heavy hitters mentioned as top candidates for the two open Democratic seats on the committee. Schumer emerged as the other choice.

"He had to run two campaigns simultaneously," said Josh Kardon, Wyden's chief of staff, "one for re-election and one for the Finance Committee." >

http://www.oregonlive.com/news/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/front_page/1102942631152200.xml

[JohnKleeb]

1. good to hear, I like Wyden

[iwantmycountryback]

2. I would like to keep the Demoplicans Nelson and Bayh

off of the powerful committee. It's good to see Schumer on there.

[hopein08]

3. Demoplicans!

I like it!

This is the first time I've heard it and I much prefer it to Repub-lite.

Anyway, I agree that we need real Democrats on the powerful committees. Schumer worries me at times though, as does Clinton.