If Democrats prevail in fall, liberals take reins in House

Analysis:

While GRIID has not noted a marked partisan preference in the election reporting of the Grand Rapids Press in general, this story seems to be biased somewhat in terms of tone and language. The descriptions of the potential committee chairs use phrases that seem prejudiced. For example, one senator is described as a “die-hard liberal” and another as a “free spending progressive.” Readers should ask them selves are the adjectives “die-hard” and “free spending” objective descriptions or do they have negative connotations. No is any information included that would substantiate the claim that Rep. Obey is more “free spending” than other representatives or that Rep. Rangel is more “die-hard” than his peers.

Story:

Detroit’s U.S. Rep Dingell among potential chairmen

Associated press

WASHINGTON – If the chips fall right for Democrats and their party seizes control of the House, President Bush’s agenda on Capital hill would fall into the hands of some of his most dogged opponents.

It’s not just would-be Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California but a boat-load of Democrats newly running committees who would determine what legislation ets debated and which programs and agencies get scrutiny.

So who are the chairmen in waiting, and for which committee?

• Detroit’s SU Rep. John Dingell, a Polish-American lawyer with a reputation for making witnesses quiver: Energy and Commerce Committee.

• Charles Rangel, a die-hard liberal from New York’s Harlem with 35 years in the house; Ways and Means committee.

• David Obey, a free-spending progressive from Wausau, Wis,;Appropriations.

• George Miller of California, one of the few remaining “Watergate babies” swept into Congress in 1974; Education and Workforce Committee.