Blue Dog Democrats: Not All Can Join
The caucus of conservative Democrats, the Blue Dog Coalition, has become something of a pet favorite among Democrats. Some of the brightest stars in the freshman Democrat class, like former NFL quarterback Heath Shuler of North Carolina and former Indiana Sheriff Brad Ellsworth, have signed on to the caucus, swelling its ranks to 44 members.
With blue dogs showing the party it can win in traditionally Republican districts, the caucus has enjoyed a surge in popularity. But its ranks have become increasingly exclusive.
"We could have twice as many [members] as we have right now," Rep. Mike Ross of Arkansas, cochair of the Blue Dog Coalition, told U.S. News. "But we're not looking for quantity, we're looking for quality."
Ross added, "Our organization is not about providing political cover for those who want to pretend they're a conservative Democrat." The group has already effectively wielded its influence, suggesting many of the key provisions in House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's 100-hour ethics package, including pay-as-you-go-rules, earmark transparency, and a promise of adequate time to review a bill before a vote.
The party's House leadership went so far as to privately pledge at least 24 hours for review to blue dog leadership, though that language did not make it into the resolution, says a Democratic aide. Ross says the blue dogs will continue to push the leadership on fiscal matters.
"We're not going to be obstructionist, but we're not going to be a rubber stamp either."
With the blue dogs' popularity, congressional insiders say other voting caucuses are feeling snubbed.
"That has created some tension" with other caucuses, including the powerful Congressional Black Caucus, says a source. But most members, chiefly in the House, are holding their fire. Says one Democratic insider: "There are a few that are way out there, but most people realize in the Democratic power positions, they have to show they can govern, and to govern they need the [conservative] blue dogs."