Sen. Begich secures spot on commerce, military committees

WASHINGTON - Democratic Sen. Mark Begich said Tuesday he has secured positions on two Senate committees important to Alaska - Commerce and Armed Services.

Begich, who was sworn in Tuesday as Alaska's newest senator, said he was pleased with both assignments, which he said should help him influence national policy on a wide range of issues. The Commerce post was particularly noteworthy, since the man Begich replaced, longtime Republican Sen. Ted Stevens, is the panel's former chairman and senior Republican.

The committee, formally known as Commerce, Science and Transportation, touches on a huge range of issues, including communications, highways, aviation, transportation security, fisheries, the Coast Guard, tourism, climate change and economic development.

Armed Services has jurisdiction over military issues including weapons systems, military operations, research and pay, promotion and retirement benefits for members of the military.

"With the wide range of issues facing Alaskans, I'm pleased to work with Senate leaders to position myself in the best places to focus on Alaska's priorities," said Begich, who met with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and other top Democrats in recent weeks.

Begich, who stepped down Saturday as Anchorage mayor, said he was looking forward to beginning work in the Senate to help turn around the national economy and create jobs for Alaska residents and people around the country.

Begich was escorted into the Senate chamber Tuesday by Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski and took the oath of office from Vice President Dick Cheney.

But the biggest news by the Begich family this week came from his son, Jacob, who shouted out to President-elect Barack Obama at a chance meeting at the Capitol.

In full view of a national TV audience on Monday, the president-elect walked over to 6-year-old Jacob and asked him, "What's going on, man?"

Mark Begich says that Jacob kept repeating, "I met the president! I met Obama!"