WASHINGTON | In an attempt to head off a play of partisan politics, U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky said Tuesday he wants to cede his control over a 2010 financing bill.

Visclosky, a Merrillville Democrat, said he is seeking to have an Arizona congressman temporarily handle the fiscal year 2010 Energy and Water Appropriations bill during committee and House consideration.

"As a firm believer in the institution of the House of Representatives, I intend to ask Congressman Ed Pastor to temporarily handle the Fiscal Year 2010 Energy and Water Appropriations bill during committee and House consideration," Visclosky said in a statement. "I have represented the people of Northwest Indiana to the best of my ability and I have always abided by the law and adhered to the rules and code of ethics of the House."

Visclosky, chairman of the Energy and Water subcommittee, said House Appropriations Committee chair U.S. Rep. Dave Obey has expressed a willingness to allow the temporary switch.

The switch would mean that the Phoenix-area Pastor would oversee Visclosky's chairmanship for just this 2010 bill, Visclosky said.

Pastor's office, contacted by The Times, said the congressman declined comment.

Visclosky announced last week that his congressional office, campaign committees and some employees have been sent grand jury subpoenas requesting documents relating to The PMA Group.

The FBI conducted a raid on the Virginia-based lobbying firm in November. The now-defunct firm was long Visclosky's top source of campaign contributions.

Visclosky told The Times Tuesday that while he has not heard specific threats, he is ceding his control over the bill in anticipation of any Republican attempt to use the PMA investigation to influence the appropriations process.

"I'm trying to avoid the disruption of the process," he said. "I would anticipate that would happen."