But with Barack Obama headed to the White House -- giving their party control of both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue for the first time in 14 years -- lawmakers from one of the nation's bluest states are looking to gain more than just respect. They expect to wield more political clout as well.

Not only will House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of San Francisco preside over a bigger Democratic majority with a friendlier president, but Californians will chair four House committees, more than any other state.

Among them is Rep. Henry A. Waxman (D- Beverly Hills), the newly elected chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, who will play a key role in moving forward Obama's initiatives to expand health insurance coverage and curb global warming.

With California's Barbara (more...)