What's a Blue Dog Democrat?

According to Wikipedia, "The Blue Dogs are the political descendants of a now defunct-in-name Southern Democratic group known as the Boll Weevils, who played a critical role in the early 1980s by supporting President Ronald Reagan's tax cut plan. The Boll Weevils, in turn may be considered the descendants of the Dixiecrats and the "states-rights" Democrats of the l940s through '60s.

An explanation for the term: 'A blue dog is our mascot because when dogs are not let into the house, they stay outside in the cold and turn blue,' a reference to moderate and conservative Democrats feeling left out of the Party which they believed had shifted to the political left.

Reflecting the group's Southern roots, many Blue Dogs are strong supporters of gun rights and receive high ratings from the NRA, some have pro-life voting records, and some get high ratings from immigration reduction groups. As a caucus, however, the group has never agreed on or taken a position on these issues and many members favor more socially liberal positions.

On economic issues, Blue Dogs tend to be pro-business and favor limiting public welfare spending, arguing instead for individual responsibility. They have supported welfare reform as well as the Republican-backed Bankruptcy Reform Act of 2005. "

Well, shoot! Sounds as though they're neither fish nor fowl, doesn't it?

Who would have guessed that the biggest obstacle to passing the healthcare bill would be the Democrats themselves? And, wouldn't you know the Bluedogs are led by Arkansas' own Representative Mike Ross.

Ross is quick to call himself a "conservative Democrat." His constituents provide the perfect cover for him. The voters in his district do tend to be more conservative. But, they knew they were putting a Democrat in office when they went to the polls. They inhabit a poor, rural district, where they would greatly benefit from a healthcare bill that provides a public option. This seems to have escaped Ross's notice, as he accepts millions from the insurance industry.

As far as I can tell, the Blue Dogs want to have it both ways. It will be interesting to see if the Yellow Dogs leave them not only out in the cold, but under the porch.

Stay tuned.