House Energy chairman Upton wins

House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-Mich.) beat back Democratic challenger Mike O’Brien Tuesday to win a 14th term representing his southwest Michigan district, according to CNN and other news outlets.

Upton is expected to remain chairman of the powerful energy panel, where he has overseen legislation to roll back Obama administration air pollution rules and approve the Keystone XL pipeline.

The bills gave Republicans a platform to bash regulations they call economically harmful, but the measures — such as legislation to scuttle greenhouse gas rules — did not advance in the Senate.

On Tuesday he called for bipartisanship.

“The voters have spoken and I pledge in good faith to fulfill the wishes of the vast majority of Americans who want us, regardless of party affiliation, to work together to solve the problems facing our country,” Upton said in a statement.
 
“The major issues we must address demand Republicans and Democrats put aside their differences and find common ground,” said Upton, whose campaign benefitted from campaign donations from a number of power and petroleum companies.

Upton was beating O’Brien 54 percent to 43 percent with about two-thirds of the results counted, CNN reported.