Who to watch

By TIMES WIRES
Published January 6, 2007

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The Democrats' takeover of both the House and Senate last fall puts many newcomers in leadership positions. Who will be the politicians to watch in the 110th Congress?

Rep. Louise Slaughter, D-N.Y., incoming chairman of the House Rules Committee

Rep. Charlie Rangel, D-N.Y., incoming chairman of the Ways and Means Committee.

Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., incoming chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, who is expected to hold the committee's first real hearings on global warming.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., the first female speaker of the House.

Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Calif., chairman of the House Government Reform Committee, an oversight watchdog.

Sen. James Webb, D-Va., a former Navy secretary under President Ronald Reagan who toppled Sen. George Allen and already has a reputation for mouthing off.

Sen. Mel Martinez, R-Fla., incoming chairman of the Republican National Committee, who will have to balance that with his Senate duties. Also a player in immigration reform.

Rep. Allen Boyd, D-Monticello, leader of the conservative Blue Dog Democrats.

Rep. Adam Putnam, R-Bartow, chairman of the House Republican Conference, the third-ranking GOP lawmaker.