Senior democrats are stunned by Henry Waxman’s defeat of John Dingell in the run for heading the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Previously, holding a position for a long time had been enough, but as President-Elect Barack Obama ushers in a new doctrine of change, seniority is losing steam.

According to the Washington Post:

Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) today won the backing of the Democratic caucus to become the new head of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, defeating longtime chairman Rep. John Dingell (D-Mich.) in a vote Waxman's backers said would signal strong support for the agenda of President-elect Barack Obama.

On a 137-122 vote, Waxman dethroned Dingell from a post he has held as either chairman or ranking Democrat since 1981. He is the most prominent supporter of his home state's auto industry and has feuded with junior committee members, including Waxman, over efforts to impose fuel efficiency standards on cars…

"It's the mantra of the Obama election. People want change," said Rep. Frank Pallone (D-N.J.), who rallied support for Waxman. "He'll work best with the new administration."

Obama made energy independence and building the next generation of hybrid cars a hallmark of his campaign, often saying during the campaign that he went to Detroit to deliver this message. Obama's top liaison to Congress is Waxman's former top aide.

Senior Democrats were stunned by the Waxman victory, which seemingly dealt a blow to the party's long-held principle of seniority. "It's just been buried," Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-N.Y.), chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, said of seniority.

Is this scary for some senior members? Yes. But does it mean that guarding political interests at odds with a committee’s objectives may wane? It is to be hoped. Of course this particular example does not mean that seniority will not remain a powerful force in House affairs, but it is a refreshing shift.

Waxman earned his bachelor’s degree and law degree from UCLA.