We've paid a lot of attention to the tax proposals of Barack Obama and Mitt Romney. But regardless of which man wins the presidency, he'll have to work with the Congressional tax-writing committees.
Most of the current members of the House Ways and Means and Senate Finance Committees are expected to return to Washington after Nov. 6.
But some other member changes due to resignations could give the panels a slightly different look.
Senate tax status quo: Seven members of the Senate Finance Committee are up for reelection.
They are ranking minority member Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) and Democrats Maria Cantwell of Washington, Benjamin Cardin of Maryland,
Thomas Carper of Delaware, Robert Menendez of New Jersey, Bill
Nelson of Florida and Debbie Stabenow of Michigan.
Tax Analysts reports that all are expected to be reelected, but that Nelson's race against GOP challenger Connie Mack is close.
Even if all current members seeking reelection return, the Finance panel still will see some changes.
There will be four open seats thanks to the retirements of Sens. Jeff
Bingaman (D-N.M.), Kent Conrad (D-N.D.), Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.) and Olympia J.
Snowe (R-Maine).
Politico reports that Democratic Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia recently dined with Finance Chair
Max Baucus (D-Mont.) and Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) has been making the case for his colleagues to add him to the panel.
Ways and Means watch: On the House side, Tax Analysts says that Rep. Fortney "Pete" Stark (D-Calif.) is the only Ways and Means member who looks to be in a tight race.
But the House committee from which the Constitution decrees all tax measures must originate will see some changes, also because of voluntary departures.
Rep. Wally Herger (R-Calif.) is retiring after his term is up.
Reps. Rick Berg (R-N.D.) and Shelley Berkley (D-Nev.) are both hoping to return to Capitol Hill after Nov. 6 as members of the Senate.
And former Rep. Geoff Davis (R-Ky.) resigned from the House in July for family reasons. His Ways and Means slot remains open.
Then there's Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wisc.), the GOP vice presidential nominee. If Romney and Ryan win the White House, Ryan will have to give up his House seat (for which he's also seeking reelection) and his corresponding Ways and Means spot.
Among those hoping to join the powerful tax panel, says Politico, are Reps. Allyson Schwartz (D-Pa.) and Chris Van Hollen
(D-Md.), who are angling for the committee's one minority seat. Both Representatives previously served on Ways and Means when the Democrats controlled the House.
Will the personnel changes make any difference when it comes to getting Democratic and Republican Senators and Representatives to agree on tax legislation?
Nah.
But at least we'll have a few new faces to get to know.
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