UPDATE: The Seattle Times reports that Dicks will have competition for the spot.

U.S. Rep. Norm Dicks (D-WA, 6), who was promoted to chair the House defense appropriations subcommittee when Rep. John Murtha (D-PA) died earlier this year, may be in for an even bigger promotion.

Today, the chair of the appropriations committee, Rep. Dave Obey (D-WI), announced that he's resigning. This puts Dicks in line to become the chair (if the Democrats retain control of the House this November.)

Dicks' possible ascension would give Washington state a real power couple.

Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA)  is the chair of the transportation subcommittee on the Senate Appropriations Committee.

We have a call into Rep. Dicks' office.