Sen. Snowe: Why She Left Armed Services.

• Author: Book, Elizabeth G.
• Position: Olympia Snowe, interview - Interview

"Out of every new Senate committee assignment in 2001, what 'shocked' me was to see Sen. Olympia Snowe leave the Armed Services Committee for a spot on the Finance Committee," said William A. Daoulas, a defense industry lobbyist. Snowe, R-Maine, who comes from the shipyard-heavy state of Maine, was the chair of the sea power subcommittee. Under Senate rules, Sen. Snowe is required to relinquish her seat on the Armed Services Committee in order to accept a post on the Finance Committee.

According to Sen. Snowe, "My decision was a difficult one, because I have enjoyed my service on the Armed Services Committee. I reached my decision only when it became clear that the number of seats on the Armed Services Committee would be...