Wyoming Pragmatist Set to Lead Senate Education Panel

As the 109th Congress begins this week, the Senate education committee is expected to get a new chairman—Sen. Michael B. Enzi of Wyoming—who observers say will bring to the job a blend of pragmatic conservatism and a keen appreciation for the challenges of rural communities.

The Republican lawmaker, 60, first elected to the Senate in 1996, is slated to replace Sen. Judd Gregg, R-N.H., at the helm of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee. Sen. Gregg intends to relinquish that post in favor of the chairmanship of the Budget Committee. ( "Gregg Leaving Chairmanship of Senate Education Panel," Nov. 17, 2004.)

Several education leaders from Wyoming said they were pleased Mr. Enzi would take the Senate...