By Paul Kane – Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, March 4, 2010; 10:24 AM

Rep. Sander Levin (D-Mich.), a pro-union, anti-free-trade liberal who is a close ally of the auto industry, has been selected as interim chairman of the Ways and Means Committee.

Levin, 79, succeeds Rep. Charles B. Rangel (D-N.Y.), who stepped down amid ethics questions.

Levin’s ascension is a rebuke to the seniority system, as Rep. Pete Stark (D-Calif.) was in line to chair the powerful panel with authority over tax and trade issues, but rank-and-file Democrats on the committee rebelled because Stark, 78, has a history of intemperate remarks and has an undisclosed illness that has made it difficult for him to be on hand in recent weeks.

Levin’s younger brother, Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich.), chairs the Armed Services Committee.

Sander Levin declined comment on his elevation, stressing its temporary status as Rangel’s ethics investigations continue.

“Under the circumstances, I could not think of anyone that could serve the country, the Congress and our committee better,” Rangel told reporters.