Blue Dogs -- Ready to Bite

We don’t know who will be president next year, but it’s safe to say that Congress will remain Democratic. In fact, conventional wisdom states the Democrats will probably add to their majorities in both Houses. What that wisdom is not stating is what kind of Democratic Party will control Congress.

Take a look at the newest Democratic Senators – potential VP nominee Jim Webb, Bob Casey of Pennsylvania, Claire McCaskill of Missouri. Nobody will mistake these freshmen for being your stereotypical liberal, big city Democrats. The House members are even more notable for the number of freshmen and women who have joined the Blue Dog Coalition – a group that now numbers 48 and can wield some clout if they stick together.

Much has been written about the three recent special elections where the GOP lost, including the most recent one in Mississippi that had been held by Republicans since 1995 (and was previously held by old school Southern Democratic segregationist Jamie Whitten). But the demographics in this district have not changed – the Democratic candidate has. For example, the new Mississippi Congressman Travis Childers is a successful businessman, is pro-life and anti-gun conrol, but also believes the Iraqi war was a mistake and thinks the middle class deserves better education and lower taxes in their paycheck. Think the Blue Dogs will soon break the 50 number?

I’m starting to see a subtle shift in the Democratic makeup of Congress. Maybe Howard Dean’s 50-state strategy is paying off, as is voter backlash against an unpopular president and a lifeless GOP strategy and communication effort. But the Democratic Leadership Committee may not be leading the liberal, tax-and-spend policy the media and John McCain wants you to believe. The new blood tells me very different and interesting changes are approaching.