Wrangling for the chair: Rangel set to head influential Ways and Means Committee.

If Charlie Rangel has learned anything in his 26 years on the Hill, it's not to take anything for granted. So even as members of the House give him knowing smiles and premature offers of congratulations, Rangel is content for the moment to bide his time watching, waiting and listening.

The retirement of Rep. Sam Gibbons (D-Florida), the ranking minority member of the Ways and Means Committee, has left one of the most coveted gavels on the Hill directly in Rangel's reach--the chairmanship of the powerful Ways and Means Committee. This committee is responsible for government revenues and has jurisdiction over the country's Social Security and Medicare systems, welfare, taxes, trade and tariffs. It also provides the tax incentives created to lure business to empowerment zones, of which Rangel was the principal architect.

Behind the scenes, Washington is whispering about a rumored coup attempt by Rep. Bob Matsui (D-California), to jump over Rangel for the powerful top spot. Matsui denies the rumors, but recent reports suggest that Matsui and Rep. Michael Oxley (R-Ohio), who is battling for the chairmanship of a Commerce subcommittee, have been donating some of their campaign money to other House members in an effort to rally support for their bids. According to Rangel, Matsui mounted a similar challenge to Gibbons in the last Congress.

Matsui's moves will be moot if the Democrats don't win a majority. Right now, it's too soon to forecast the outcome of the fall elections. In addition to voter inconsistency, 21 Democrats are retiring, five are running for the Senate and two Democrats have already lost their bids for Senate nominations. If the Democrats recapture the House, however, Lewis and others believe the party will remain loyal to the seniority system and overwhelmingly support Rangel.

Whether he assumes the chair or becomes ranking minority member, Rangel has no doubts about what he hopes to accomplish in the next Congress. Education, jobs and training will be his mantra.

Rangel will be a fair and strong chairman, says fellow CBC member John Lewis (D-Georgia). "He is a superb negotiator and mediator, with an extraordinary sense of good humor." According to Lewis, Bill Archer, who currently holds the chair, "has been dictatorial, not giving us much opportunity to participate in discussions before issues come to the committee." Under Rangel, important issues such as Medicare will be given more deliberation.

"Knocking me off is not going to be easy by any stretch," says Rangel. And any attempt to do so will result in "the biggest debate we've ever had in the House of Representatives since Reconstruction," he adds, with a knowing smile of his own.