Michigan's Sanford Levin Named to Head House Ways and Means Committee

Rep. Sanford M. Levin, a 78-year-old liberal with close ties to the automobile industry, has been selected to chair the tax-writing House Ways and Means Committee, succeeding on an interim basis, at least, Rep. Charles Rangel, who was forced to step aside amid an ethics investigation.

Levin (D-Mich.), a strong opponent of free-trade deals with foreign business partners, was elevated by House Democratic leaders over Rep. Pete Stark (D-Calif.), who has an edge in seniority. The Washington Post said Stark was bypassed because of concern among rank-and-file Democrats that he is prone to abrasive and embarrassing outbursts. Stark, 78, is also said to be suffering from an undisclosed illness.

Levin, a champion of organized labor who is in his 14th term, is the older brother of Sen. Carl Levin, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee.