We have all heard the deafening rhetoric from the extreme political right and left that accompanies any major legislative initiative. On the health reform issue, the piercing calls from the left for a “Single Payer Plan” or a “Public Option” are routinely met with cries warning of the evils of “nationalization” and “rationing” from the right.
But neither of these extreme perspectives really matter. The true battle is fought in the middle, and the control of the health reform debate lies squarely with conservative Democrats, known in the House as Blue Dogs.
George Rodrigue "Falling For You" 2008
In the Senate, Conservative Dems on the Finance committee wield similar albeit much less cohesive influence.
Named for the artwork of artish George Rodrique of LA, the Blue Dogs unite on “the goal of representing the center of the House of Representatives and appealing to the mainstream values of the American public. The Blue Dogs are dedicated to a core set of beliefs that transcend partisan politics, including a deep commitment to the financial stability and national security of the United States.”
On healthcare, the go to Dawg is Mike Ross of Arkansas. He has recently released 2 major statements on the importance of Consumer Choice and and Competition and a more general position on the Draft legislation Leadership and members of the coalition are listed here.
If you care about the pace and direction of the federal health reform movement, the Blue Dogs are the ones to watch. Get to know these guys, monitor their press releases and watch what they say and do.
