If the Republicans take over the House in the fall, Rep. Joe Barton (R., Texas) is not likely to ascend to the chairmanship of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, reports Dave Weigel:

While Democrats prioritize seniority in assigning committee chairmanships — Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Ca.) had to win an historic battle with Rep. John Dingell (D-Mich.) to get the top job on the committee — Republicans rotate chairmanships every three terms. If the GOP wins the House in 2010, Barton’s rotation will already have come and gone, so another member, such as Rep. Fred Upton (R-Mich.) or Rep. John Shimkus (R-Ill.), will be in line to run the committee.
Republicans can appeal for exceptions to this rule, and occasionally, they get them. But as of Monday, based on the conversations I’ve had with Republicans, there’s no appetite for waiving the rule to protect Barton. It’s possible that Barton, who is 60, could lead this committee again someday. But the odds of him leading it if the GOP wins in November are very, very slim.

Full story here.