John Conyers, incoming chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, has a strong track record on IP, in particular on protecting artists; he's a particular supporter of Motown artists, natch. Lamar Smith, who for the last two Congresses has chaired the IP subcommittee, is also a solid IP champion, as I have noted. Last week the Republicans decided he should be full committee ranking member.

Watching the dynamic between Conyers and Jim Sensenbrenner, the outoing chairman, it didn't really appear the two enjoyed being in the same room together. In fact, Conyers often would physically keep his distance during hearings and markups, even though they were supposed to sit together, and the two never made eye contact, even when speaking to each other. Most awkward. But Smith seems to have cordial relations with both Rs and Ds throughout the committee (and Congress). Conyers-Smith, two nice men and IP supporters, should be a very solid team in the 110th Congress.