Smokey Joe Barton begs for forgiveness... and clings to job

Rep. Joe Barton (R-Texas) will retain his top spot on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, according to GOP lawmakers.

Barton, who came under fire after apologizing to BP CEO Tony Hayward at a hearing last week for the way the government had treated the oil company, will stay on as ranking member of the committee, which oversees oil and gas regulation, among other areas.

Barton gave a "heartfelt apology" to members of the GOP conference on Wednesday morning, according to one of his toughest critics, Rep. Jo Bonner (R-Ala.).

more at

http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/104963-barton-will-keep-top-gop-spot-on-energy-and-commerce