Kennedy Death Opens Possible Senate Banking Change Posted by AVCU on 9:38 AM

Credit Union Times reports that the death of Senator Edward M. Kennedy this week could bring about a change in the leadership of the Senate Banking Committee, which is chaired by Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT). That's because Dodd is also the number two Democrat on the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, which was chaired by Kennedy. The Senate seniority system gives Dodd the option to chair that committee if he chooses. If that happened, Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD) would be next in line to chair Senate Banking. He's a moderate and has been supportive of credit unions. He chaired the confirmation hearing of Debbie Matz as chairman of NCUA. He has maintained a low profile, however, since an ailment in 2006. Next in line for Senate Banking Chair after Johnson would be Senator Jack Reed (D-RI).

When queried about his interest in changing committee chairmanships on Wednesday, Dodd said he'd "leave that for a decision down the road over the next few days."