Next Senate Commerce committee head causing agita for transportation advocates

Transportation stakeholders have one word for how they feel about Sen. Jim DeMint’s likely ascendency to the top Republican spot of a committee overseeing their interests: anxious.

Though nothing has been finalized, DeMint (R-S.C.) is widely expected to land the lead Republican post on Senate Commerce. Wesley Denton, DeMint’s spokesman, confirmed that he is interested in the position, which means Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) won’t challenge him.

Privately, lobbyists for interests spanning every major transportation mode said they worry about how DeMint — known more as a Tea Party flame-thrower than a policy craftsman — would treat their issues in that leadership post.