This Dog Shouldn't Hunt...Sen. Bayh wants to create a Senate Blue Dog Coalition

[babylonsister]

http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/archives/individual/2008_12/016045.php

THAT DOG SHOULDN'T HUNT.... In the House, the political calculus on major initiatives is a three-part dynamic: Republicans, Democrats, and a caucus of right-leaning Democrats in the "Blue Dog Coalition." In the 110th Congress, Dems were more often hampered by GOP obstructionism and presidential vetoes, but the presence of nearly 50 "fiscally conservative" Democrats often limited the options of the party's leadership.

The complication is apparently set to expand. Roll Call reported last night that Sen. Evan Bayh (D-Ind.) intends to form a group of "moderate" Democratic senators based "loosely on the House Blue Dog Coalition. "

"I think we have a wonderful opportunity to break the gridlock that has existed in Washington for too long," Bayh said in an interview. "We need to do that in practical ways that will solve problems. The place that will be most important in striking that right balance will be in the Senate."

Bayh, who has spoken with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) about his initiative, said he is trying to create a faction of moderate Senators who will gather on a weekly basis ahead of the usual Tuesday Democratic Caucus meetings.

Additionally, Bayh envisions inviting outside speakers to address the group, which would also work in concert with third parties that have similar viewpoints, like the Third Way, a nonpartisan progressive think tank.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's office said Reid "welcomes Sen. Bayh's decision to form this group," as part of the broader effort in "restoring our nation's fiscal and economic health."

I'm not nearly as encouraged. In the House, the Blue Dogs are not only overly cozy with corporate lobbyists, this is a coalition reluctant to embrace a progressive vision on issues like climate change, and committed to a financial plan focused on spending reductions and balanced budgets -- precisely when the federal government needs to be doing the opposite.

That Bayh wants a similar group working in the Senate is discouraging, to put it mildly.

—Steve Benen 12:10 PM

[lapfog_1]

1. This Dog SHOULD hunt... with Dick Cheney. - n/t

[Mojambo]

2. It would certainly make things more convenient when corporations are making their donations

Everybody right there in a nice little list!

[me b zola]

3. That dog should be hunted

The Clinton error is dead, long live Obama.

[Ichingcarpenter]

6. That dog should have been neutered

long ago.

[sandnsea]

4. OH HELL NO

No fucking words. Goddamn fucking idiots. How far down the toilet do these idiots want to go.

:argh:

[babylonsister]

10. I hear you; and good ole boy Reid is all for it. nt

[Phred42]

5. Blue Dogs = "The OTHER Republicans"

The Dogs and DLC ARE part of Permanent Republican Majority - The need to be PURGED if this Country is to break Fascist control




A note from the Human Society: Remember to always Spay and Neuter your Blue Dogs

[The Magistrate]

7. It is A Shame, Ma'am, the Old Term For This, 'Boll Weevils', Has Lapsed

It set the proper feeling of disgust at destructive parasitism in the mind when this sort of disloyalty was discussed....

[boomerbust]

8. Here's a dog

That knows what the hunt is all about.

[Better Believe It]

9. Senate Democrats Step-Up Their Move To The Right

Of course Senator Reid supports this move. He's a right-wing Mormon from a so-called "right to work" state.

[tritsofme]

13. You gotta watch out fer dem Mormens and Catlicks

Who knows what they'll do!1!

[Mojorabbit]

11. Time for an email campaign

We did not elect Dems into power to have a republican lite administration

[Waiting For Everyman]

12. Didn't he get the "memo"? Ideology is "out".

It doesn't matter what Bayh or the Blue Dogs are for, the same policies that broke the economy won't fix it. BTDT.

[jaysunb]

14. This is Great News !

It'll make it much easier to identify those that need to be voted out of office. :evilgrin:

[FLAprogressive]

15. Fuck the Blue Dogs and the Corporate Jets they rode in on. nt

[JVS]

16. It could serve well as a list of people to work against

[FLAprogressive]

17. Well we already know that people like Ben Nelson and Mary Landrieu are odious....nt