U.S. Rep. Paul Hodes (D-Concord) played an important behind the scenes role in the ascension of U.S. Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Cali.) to become the chairman of the House Energy and Commerce committee.

Hodes served as a member of Waxman's whip team in a caucus vote that pitted Waxman against committee chairman U.S. Rep. John Dingell (D-Mich.). House Democrats voted 137-122 to give the chairmanship to Waxman instead of to Dingell, who has been the leading Democrat on the committee since 1981.

"He [Hodes] believes Chairman Waxman will be a great leader in creating a 21st century energy strategy, addressing climate change and revitalizing our health care system to make it portable and affordable for every American," Hodes spokesman Mark Bergman said in a statement to PolitickerNH.com.

Bergman also said that Hodes was an "early backer" of Waxman's bid.

According to FEC numbers, Waxman contributed $3,287 to Hodes re-election campaign while Dingell gave Hodes $1,000. Waxman also attended a Merrimack County Democrats fundraiser with Hodes during the summer.