Appropriations Committee

U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy: Getty Images PhotoWCAX-TV/Channel 3 out of Burlington is reporting a conversation with Vermont's senior U.S. senator, Patrick Leahy (D-Middlesex). Several weeks ago, we reported on the possibility that Leahy, who currently chairs the Judiciary Committee, could rise to the chairmanship of the Appropriations Committee, currently chaired by U.S. Sen. Robert Byrd, the aging West Virginia Democrat.

If Barack Obama is the Democratic presidential nominee and wins the White House, and our senior Senator is named chairman of the Appropriations Committee, it would be a windfall for Vermont.

Patrick Leahy would be a true king maker and he may get the king’s purse. Appropriations chairman would likely make Leahy officially the most powerful member of Congress.