End Seniority for Senate Committee Chairs!

Democrats award chairmanships to their committees in the Senate based on seniority, unlike Republicans who elect them by vote. The seniority system is problematic because it gives power to senators who are unaccountable to the rest of their caucus.

For example, Joe Lieberman, a chair-by-seniority, is notorious for grandstanding and using his position to undermine the rest of the Democratic caucus. He blocked a Medicare buy-in provision in the health reform bill after agreeing to it in private negotiations.

He was able to do this because he doesn't need to worry about what the Democratic caucus members think of him. BUT if his position was subject to a vote, he'd have motivation to avoid antagonizing the Democrats.

Tell the Democratic senators to use a secret ballot to choose committee chairs and do right by the Democratic caucus.