Once-influential Blue Dog moderates hoping for comeback in polarized Congress

[Geee]

Washington Examiner:

In 2009, they had more than 50 members. One wave election later, half their members were gone.

 

And now, in a Congress marked by its uncompromising partisanship, just 15 of the so-called “Blue Dog” Democrats remain.

 

The Blue Dog coalition, mostly Democrats from Republican-leaning or swing districts, were a one-time moderating force within the House Democratic Caucus, and their influence was felt on some of the most divisive issues facing Congress. In the debate over Obamacare, it was the Blue Dogs who convinced fellow Democrats to back away from liberal demands for a single-payer, government-run health care system, which had stalled negotiations.

 

But as the Blue Dogs' numbers dwindle, so has its influence. They are outnumbered now by deeply ideological lawmakers elected from homogenous, custom-gerrymandered districts and out-gunned by outside interest groups whose growing influence on Capitol Hill strikes fear into the hearts of any lawmakers tempted to seek middle ground.

 

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The Blue Dogs' membership is still in decline. Rep. Jim Matheson, D-Utah, announced that he will retire after his current term. Rep. Mike Michaud, D-Maine, is leaving to run for governor. And other Blue Dogs face competitive re-election bids in 2014, meaning the coalition could shrink even further.

Then again, maybe not.