Waxman Beats Dingell On Crucial Steering Vote

Rep Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) has won round one in his bid to unseat Rep. John Dingell (D-Mich.) as chairman of the powerhouse commerce committee.

Waxman won a critical preliminary vote on the Dem's steering committee vote 25-22. The vote goes to the full caucus, likely tomorrow.

A steering win doesn't always translate into a caucus victory -- but it's a big step for Waxman.

Dingell supporters downplayed the Wednesday vote, arguing the Democrats' Steering and Policy Committee is misrepresentative of the broader caucus.

"We're in a much stronger position with the rank-and-file," Pennsylvania Rep. Mike Doyle said on a conference call right after the vote.