When not over-analyzing the Blagojevich scandal, the MSM has focused much attention on Obama’s cabinet picks. But any active student of government knows that the chairs of the various Congressional committees are every bit as influential, if not more so. Nothing much happens on the Hill without their input.

Today, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid announced his recommendations for the Senate committee chairs in the 111th Congress. The list is below the fold. Final approval of this list, per the news release from the Senate Democratic Communications Center, “will be ratified with an Organizing Resolution when the Senate returns to session in January.”

Some of these names will be quite familiar. Some may not be. Some continue prior chair positions. Some are new (e.g., Sen. Rockefeller as Commerce Chair). Either way, if you’re not already familiar with these Senators, get to know them. They matter.

Senator Herb Kohl, Chairman, Senate Special Committee on Aging

Senator Tom Harkin, Chairman, Senate Committee on Agriculture

Senator Daniel Inouye, Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriations

Senator Carl Levin, Chairman, Senate Committee on Armed Services

Senator Christopher Dodd, Chairman, Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs

Senator Kent Conrad, Chairman, Senate Committee on Budget

Senator John D. Rockefeller IV, Chairman, Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation

Senator Jeff Bingaman, Chairman, Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources

Senator Barbara Boxer, Chairwoman, Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works

Senator Max Baucus, Chairman, Senate Committee on Finance

Senator John Kerry, Chairman, Senate Committee on Foreign Relations (upon the resignation of Senator Joseph Biden)

Senator Edward Kennedy, Chairman, Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

Senator Joseph Lieberman, Chairman, Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs

Senator Byron Dorgan, Chairman, Senate Committee on Indian Affairs

Senator Dianne Feinstein, Chairwoman, Senate Intelligence Committee

Senator Patrick Leahy, Chairman, Senate Committee on Judiciary

Senator Charles Schumer, Chairman, Senate Committee on Rules and Administration

Senator Mary Landrieu, Chairwoman, Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship (upon resignation of Senator Joseph Biden and Senator John Kerry assuming Chair of Foreign Relations)

Senator Daniel Akaka, Chairman, Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs