An era came to an end in the U.S. House today, as Democrats chose Rep. Henry Waxman to lead the powerful Energy and Commerce Committee, deposing veteran Rep. John Dingell in the process.

Dingell had long wielded substantial power on Capitol Hill, often protecting the U.S. auto industry from Waxman, who doggedly pressed the case for tougher fuel mileage standards, emission standards and more.

The vote was 137 for Waxman, 122 for Dingell.

On the heels of two days of hearings where the executives of the Big Three automakers were belittled by lawmakers of both parties, it is a reminder of the loss of influence of those companies and especially the Michigan delegation to the Congress.

Waxman's victory was also a win for Speaker Nancy Pelosi and her Calfornia delegation, which continues to expand its reach over key committees in the House.

This may not mean much to most of you reading this blog entry, but this is a very, very, very big deal in the halls of the House of Representatives.