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Blue Dog Coalition

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"Blue Dogs" redirects here. For the American band formed in 1987, seeThe Blue Dogs (band).

Blue Dog Coalition
Co-ChairsJared Golden(Administration)
Mary Peltola(Policy)
Marie Pérez(Communications)
FoundedFebruary 14, 1995
Ideology
Political position
National affiliationDemocratic Party
ColorsBlue
Seats in theHouse Democratic Caucus
10 / 213
Seats in theHouse
10 / 435
Website
bluedogcaucus-golden.house.gov

TheBlue Dog Coalition,commonly known as theBlue DogsorBlue Dog Democrats,is acaucusofmoderatemembers from theDemocratic Partyin theUnited States House of Representatives.[5][7]The caucus was founded as a group ofconservative Democratsin 1995 in response to defeats in the1994 elections.Historically, the Blue Dog Coalition has been bothfiscallyandsociallyconservative.[13][14][12]At its peak in 2009, the Blue Dog Coalition numbered 54 members.[15]

In the late 2010s and early 2020s, the Coalition's focus shifted towards ideologicalcentrismand pragmatic, constituency-based politics;[1][16][6]however, the Coalition maintained an emphasis on fiscal responsibility.[2]The Blue Dog Coalition remains the most conservative grouping of Democrats in the House.[15]As of 2024, the caucus has ten members.[17][18]

Electoral results[edit]

House of Representatives[edit]

Congress Democratic seats ±
104th (1994)
29 / 204
 Steady
105th (1996)
28 / 207
 Decrease1
106th (1998)
34 / 211
 Increase6
107th (2000)
35 / 212
 Increase1
108th (2002)
38 / 205
 Increase3
109th (2004)
38 / 202
 Steady
110th (2006)
56 / 233
 Increase18
111th (2008)
54 / 257
 Increase8
112th (2010)
28 / 193
 Decrease36
113th (2012)
19 / 201
 Decrease9
114th (2014)
15 / 188
 Decrease4
115th (2016)
18 / 193
 Increase3
116th (2018)
27 / 235
 Increase9
117th (2020)
19 / 222
 Decrease8
118th (2022)
11 / 213
 Decrease8

Overview and history[edit]

PresidentBarack Obamameets with Blue Dog Democrats on February 10, 2009

The Blue Dog Coalition was formed in 1995[19][20][21]during the104th Congressto give members from the Democratic Party representing conservative-leaning districts a unified voice after the Democrats' loss of Congress in the1994Republican Revolution.[22]

The term "Blue Dog Democrat" is credited toTexasDemocratic RepresentativePete Geren(who later joined theGeorge W. Bush administration). Geren opined that the members had been "choked blue" by Democrats on the left.[23]It is related to the political term "Yellow Dog Democrat",a reference toSouthern Democratssaid to be "so loyal they would even vote for a yellow dog before they would vote for any Republican". The term also refers to the "Blue Dog" paintings ofCajunartistGeorge RodrigueofLafayette, Louisianaas the original members of the coalition would regularly meet in the offices of Louisiana representativesBilly TauzinandJimmy Hayes,both of whom later joined the Republican Party – both also had Rodrigue's paintings on their walls.[24][25]An additional explanation for the term cited by members is "when dogs are not let into the house, they stay outside in the cold and turn blue", a reference to the Blue Dogs' belief they had been left out of a party that they believed had shifted to the political left.[26]At one time, first-term Blue Dogs were nicknamed 'Blue Pups'.[24]Starting in the twenty-first century, the caucus began shifting its ideology and began adopting more socially liberal stances in order align more closely with mainstream Democratic Party political values.[1]

Disputes within the Democratic Party[edit]

In 2007, 15 Blue Dogs in safe seats rebelled, and refused to contribute party dues to theDemocratic Congressional Campaign Committee.An additional 16 Blue Dogs did not pay any money to the DCCC, but were exempt from party-mandated contributions because they were top GOP targets for defeat in 2008. One reason for the party-dues boycott was contained in remarks made by Rep.Lynn WoolseyofCalifornia,encouraging leaders ofanti-wargroups to field primary challenges to any Democrat who did not vote to end thewar in Iraq.Woolsey later stated that she was misunderstood, but the Blue Dogs continued the boycott. Donations to party congressional committees are an important source of funding for the party committees, permitting millions of dollars to be funneled back into close races.[27]

Role in the passage of the ACA[edit]

In the summer of 2009,The Economistsaid the following regarding the Blue Dog Coalition: "The debate over health care... may be the pinnacle of the group's power so far."The Economistquoted Charlie Stenholm, a founding Blue Dog, as stating that "This is the first year for the new kennel in which their votes are really going to make a difference".[28]In July 2009, Blue Dog members who were committee members of theHouse Energy and Commerce Committeesuccessfully delayed the House vote on the Health Insurance Reform Bill (HR3200) until after the summer recess.[29][30]It was during this recess that the term 'Obamacare' was first derisively adopted by Republicans on Capitol Hill.[31]Blue Dog opposition to a potential"public option"within Obamacare, together with the contentious town hall meetings faced by House members during the 2009 summer recess, gave the healthcare law's Republican opponents an opportunity to attack the "public option" and get it removed from the bill.[32][33][34]

The Washington Poststated that the Blue Dogs, with over 50 members, were the most influential voting bloc in theU.S. House of Representativesin 2010.[35]

2010s decline[edit]

The Blue Dog Coalition suffered serious losses in the2010 midterm elections,losing over half of its seats to Republican challengers. Its members, who were roughly one quarter of the Democratic Party's caucus in the 111th Congress, accounted for half of the party's midterm election losses.[36]Including retirements, Blue Dog numbers in the House were reduced from 59 members in 2009 to 26 members in 2011.[37]Two of the Coalition's four leaders (Stephanie Herseth SandlinandBaron Hill) failed to secure re-election.[38][39]

The caucus shrank even more in the2012 House of Representatives elections,decreasing in size from 27 to 14 members. Speculation ensued that the centristNew Democrat Coalitionwould fill the power vacuum created by the Blue Dog Coalition's decline.[40]Opposition to thePatient Protection and Affordable Care Actand climate change legislation are believed to have contributed to the defeat of two conservative Democrats in the2012 House elections in Pennsylvaniaby more liberal opponents.[41]

In the 2016 elections, future Blue Dogs accounted for over half of the Democrats' gains in the House.[42]In 2018, for the first time since 2006, theDemocratic Congressional Campaign Committeepartnered with the Blue Dog PAC (the Blue Dog Coalition's political organization) to recruit candidates in competitive districts across the country.[43]After the2018 House of Representatives elections,the caucus grew from 18 members to 24.[37]All incumbents were re-elected and Rep.Kyrsten Sinemawas elected to the U.S. Senate from Arizona.[44]The caucus also added 11 new members who defeated Republican incumbents in the 2018 election in districts that had voted for Donald Trump in 2016.[45]

Biden presidency[edit]

The Democratic Party lost seats in the2020and2022House of Representatives elections, including the Blue Dog Coalition. As of April 2024, during the118th Congress,the Coalition had 10 members.[46]

At the start of the118th Congressin January 2023, six of the 15 members of the Coalition departed following a failed attempt to rename the group to the Common Sense Coalition.[47]Freshman representativeDon Davis,who was expected to join the Blue Dogs, also chose not to do so.[17]After this split, the group reorganized and began an effort to stabilize, rebuild, and maintain influence on policy proposals in the closely divided 118th Congress.[48]The effort included a recruitment drive which promptedMary Peltola(AK-AL),Marie Gluesenkamp Pérez(WA-03), andWiley Nickel(NC-13) to join, bringing the number of members back up to 10.[49]Under the leadership of Peltola, Perez, and RepresentativeJared Golden,the caucus shifted its focus towards ideologicalcentrismand pragmatic, constituency-based (especially rural and working-class) politics.[16]One of the six departees,Lou Correa(CA-46), rejoined the Coalition in 2024.

Ideology[edit]

The Blue Dog Coalition is the most conservative grouping of Democrats in the House. It "advocates for fiscal responsibility, a strong national defense and bipartisan consensus rather than conflict with Republicans". It acts as a check on legislation that its members perceive to be too far to the right or to the left on the political spectrum.[2]In the 2010s, the Blue Dogs became more demographically diverse and less conservative.[1]

The Blue Dog Coalition is often involved in searching for a compromise betweenliberalandconservativepositions, includingclassically liberalpolicies. Most of its members represent competitiveswing districts,and are thus inclined to appeal toswing voters.[50]Though its members have evolved on social issues over time,[37]the group has never taken a position on social issues as a caucus.[1]As of 2014, there was no mention of social issues in the official Blue Dog materials.[51]

Membership[edit]

See also:List of members of the Blue Dog Coalition
Blue Dog Coalition in the118th United States Congress

In the early years of the caucus, the Blue Dogs were viewed by some as the political successors to Southern Democratic groups known such as theBoll Weevilsorconservative coalition.[52][53]The Boll Weevils may, in turn, be considered the descendants of theDixiecratsand the "states' rights"Democrats of the 1940s through the 1960s, and even theBourbon Democratsof the late 19th century.[54]

In January 2019, McClatchy reported a transformation of the Blue Dogs from a coalition of 'southern white men' to 'a multi-regional, multicultural group.' At that time, the coalition included two African-American members, one Vietnamese-American, one Mexican-American, and only five members from Southern states.[37]

As of April 2024, the Coalition included 10 members. At that point, the Coalition's membership was smaller than it had ever been since its formation.[17][50]

Co-chairs[edit]

The co-chairs of the Blue Dog Coalition for the 118th Congress are U.S. representativesJared Golden,Mary Peltola,andMarie Gluesenkamp Pérez.[46]

Chairs of the Blue Dog Coalition
Term start Term end Chair for Administration Chair for Communications Chair for Policy
February 1995 April 1995 Gary Condit John S. Tanner Nathan Deal
April 1995 January 1999 Collin Peterson
January 1999 January 2001 Robert E. Cramer Chris John Charles Stenholm
January 2001 January 2003 Chris John Jim Turner Allen Boyd
January 2003 January 2005 Jim Turner Baron Hill Charles Stenholm
January 2005 January 2007 Jim Matheson Dennis Cardoza Jim Cooper
January 2007 January 2009 Allen Boyd Mike Ross Dennis Moore
January 2009 October 2009 Stephanie Herseth Sandlin Charlie Melancon Baron Hill
October 2009 January 2011 Jim Matheson
January 2011 January 2013 Heath Shuler Mike Ross John Barrow
January 2013 January 2015 John Barrow Kurt Schrader Jim Cooper
January 2015 January 2017 Kurt Schrader Jim Costa
January 2017 January 2019 Jim Costa Henry Cuellar Dan Lipinski
January 2019 January 2021 Stephanie Murphy Lou Correa Tom O'Halleran
January 2021 January 2023 Tom O'Halleran Ed Case
January 2023 May 2023 Jared Golden Jim Costa
May 2023 present Jared Golden Marie Gluesenkamp Pérez Mary Peltola

Current members[edit]

Alaska

California

Georgia

Maine

New Jersey

North Carolina

Texas

Washington

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^abcdefMendoza, Jessica (June 4, 2019)."Centrist Democrats are back. But these are not your father's Blue Dogs".Christian Science Monitor.
  2. ^abcWeiner, Mark (February 1, 2019)."Anthony Brindisi to co-chair Blue Dogs, caucus of moderate House Democrats".syracuse.com.
  3. ^Blake, Aaron (April 25, 2012)."Why the Blue Dogs' decline was inevitable".The Washington Post.RetrievedFebruary 23,2016.
  4. ^[1][3]
  5. ^abDavis, Susan."U.S. House has fewer moderate Democrats".USA Today.Archived fromthe originalon December 4, 2014.RetrievedJuly 23,2014.
  6. ^abRuth Bloch Rubin, ed. (2017).Building the Bloc: Intraparty Organization in the US Congress.Cambridge University Press.p. 188.ISBN9781316510421.In contrast to the halting mobilization of Insurgent Republicans and southern Democrats, the Blue Dogs' adoption of... ideological bonafides, the Coalition worked to establish a Blue Dog brand and associate it with support for centrist policies.
  7. ^ab"Lobbying from the center".The Hill.January 26, 2021.
  8. ^[5][6][7]
  9. ^Caygle, Heather (February 14, 2018)."Centrist Democrats try new approach to Russia messaging".POLITICO.RetrievedJuly 19,2022.
  10. ^Murad, Yours (January 31, 2020)."After a Year of Heated Debate, 'Medicare for All' Holds On to Voters' Majority Support".Morning Consult.RetrievedJuly 19,2022.
  11. ^[9][10]
  12. ^abElections A to Z.SAGE. 2012.ISBN9780872897694.RetrievedAugust 14,2014.
  13. ^Duncan, Philip P.; Nutting, Brian (1999).CQ's politics in America: 2000, the 106th Congress.Washington, DC: Congressional Quarterly, Inc. p. 18.ISBN9781568024714.
  14. ^Solomon, Norman (May 24, 2010)."When the Leaders Lead, the People Have Sorrow".HuffPost.RetrievedJanuary 13,2023.
  15. ^abMiller, Jonathan (May 23, 2018)."The Blue Dogs Are Barking Again".Roll Call.RetrievedOctober 26,2023.
  16. ^ab"Dwindling Blue Dog Democrats look to stage a comeback for moderates".The Washington Post.August 8, 2023.
  17. ^abcMutnick, Ally; Ferris, Sarah (January 24, 2023)."Blue Dog Coalition Membership".Blue Dog Coalition.RetrievedJanuary 24,2023.
  18. ^"Members | Blue Dog Coalition".bluedogcaucus-golden.house.gov.September 6, 2023.RetrievedApril 24,2024.
  19. ^Dumain, Emma (May 12, 2015)."20 years in, Blue Dogs not ready to roll over".rollcall.com.
  20. ^"History".BlueDogCaucus-Schrader.house.gov.Blue Dog Coalition.RetrievedNovember 15,2016.
  21. ^"History".ross.house.gov/BlueDog/.Blue Dog Coalition. Archived fromthe originalon April 5, 2012.RetrievedApril 10,2012.
  22. ^Bendavid, Naftali (July 28, 2009). "'Blue Dog' Democrats hold health care overhaul at bay ".The Wall Street Journal.
  23. ^"Wordcraft Archives, November 2004".Wordcraft.infopop.cc.RetrievedFebruary 23,2016.
  24. ^abSuddath, Claire (July 28, 2009)."A Brief History of Blue Dog Democrats".Time.Archived fromthe originalon July 31, 2009.RetrievedSeptember 7,2009.
  25. ^Safire, William (April 23, 1995)."On Language; Blue Dog Demo".The New York Times.RetrievedSeptember 7,2009.
  26. ^"Blue Dog Democrats".Bluedogs.us. November 4, 2008. Archived fromthe originalon July 14, 2009.RetrievedMarch 17,2010.
  27. ^Bresnahan, John (October 24, 2007)."Blue Dogs refuse to pony up for DCCC".The Politico.Archived fromthe originalon October 26, 2007.RetrievedNovember 1,2007.
  28. ^"The Democratic Party's centrists: Blue Dog days".The Economist.July 30, 2009.
  29. ^"Are the Blue Dogs really working for you?".Silverbuzzcafe.com.Silver Buzz Cafe. August 20, 2009.RetrievedMarch 17,2010.
  30. ^"Two House Committees Approve Health Reform Bill".Child Welfare League of America. July 27, 2009. Archived fromthe originalon June 16, 2010.RetrievedFebruary 26,2013.
  31. ^Wallace, Gregory (June 25, 2012)."'Obamacare': The word that defined the health care debate ".CNN. Archived fromthe originalon July 12, 2012.RetrievedFebruary 26,2013.
  32. ^Ball, Molly (November 16, 2012)."Blue Dogs are dwindling".The Atlantic. Archived fromthe originalon April 13, 2013.RetrievedFebruary 27,2013.
  33. ^Stolberg, Sheryl Gay (August 17, 2009)."'Public Option' in Health Plan may be dropped ".The New York Times.RetrievedFebruary 26,2013.
  34. ^"Blue Dogs And The Health Care Debate" NPR: Talk of the Nation,August 4, 2009.
  35. ^Kane, Paul (January 15, 2014)."Blue Dog Democrats, whittled down in number, are trying to regroup".The Washington Post.Archivedfrom the original on January 16, 2014.RetrievedJuly 23,2014.Four years ago, they were the most influential voting bloc on Capitol Hill, more than 50 House Democrats pulling their liberal colleagues to a more centrist, fiscally conservative vision on issues such as health care and Wall Street reforms.
  36. ^"Blue Dogs shaved in half – Blue Dog Democrats".Fox Nation. Fox News. November 3, 2010. Archived fromthe originalon July 26, 2011.
  37. ^abcd"Shutdown, health care, budget: How moderate House Democrats will influence the party".mcclatchydc.
  38. ^Allen, Jonathan (November 3, 2010)."Blue Dog wipeout: Half of caucus gone".Politico.RetrievedFebruary 23,2016.
  39. ^"A vanishing breed: Blue Dogs".Los Angeles Times.November 3, 2010.
  40. ^"New Dems hope to be a force in 113th Congress".The Hill.November 17, 2012.
  41. ^"Why the Blue Dogs' decline was inevitable".The Washington Post.April 25, 2012.
  42. ^"The Blue Dog map is changing. It may even help Democrats win Republican districts".The Politico.2017.
  43. ^"Blue Dogs eye comeback in 2018".The Politico.2017.
  44. ^"House Democratic Factions All See Gains After Midterms".Roll Call.November 13, 2018.
  45. ^Rogin, Josh (December 13, 2018)."Blue Dog Democrats are poised to play a crucial role in the next Congress".The Washington Post.RetrievedFebruary 17,2020.
  46. ^abFerris, Sarah (May 24, 2023)."The Blue Dog Coalition is adding a new member to their centrist ranks, alongside a fresh" fishing states "leadership group"– viaPOLITICO.
  47. ^"Blue Dogs Devour Themselves Over Effort to Rebrand as 'Common Sense Coalition' | Common Dreams".www.commondreams.org.RetrievedApril 21,2024.
  48. ^Mariana Sotomayor (August 8, 2023)."Dwindling Blue Dog Democrats look to stage a comeback for moderates in Congress".Washington Post.
  49. ^Meyer, Theodoric; Caldwell, Leigh Ann (August 8, 2023)."Analysis | Meet the new Blue Dogs".Washington Post.ISSN0190-8286.RetrievedAugust 24,2023.
  50. ^abMariana Sotomayor (August 8, 2023)."Dwindling Blue Dog Democrats look to stage a comeback for moderates in Congress".Washington Post.
  51. ^Parton, Heather Digby (November 12, 2014)."Bye-bye, blue dog" Democrats ": What the end of conservative Dems means for America".Salon.RetrievedDecember 24,2016.
  52. ^Parties, Rules, and the Evolution of Congressional Budgeting, Lance T. LeLoup, 2005, pp. 185
  53. ^Encyclopedia of American Parties, Campaigns, and Elections, William C. Binning et al, 1999, pp. 307.
  54. ^Thomson, Alex (2007).A Glossary of U.S. Politics and Government.Stanford University Press. p.14.ISBN978-0-8047-5730-0.

External links[edit]

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