from the MSNBC article cited:"Leader Pelosi looks forward to working with the Blue Dogs in the 110th Congress," said Jennifer Crider, Pelosi's spokeswoman. "They are important voices in our diverse caucus."
and this, from the Nation:http://www.thenation.com/blogs/thebeat?bid=1&pid=139093 BLOG | Posted 11/12/2006 @ 09:10am
The Crowded Progressive Caucus
What will be the largest of the ideological caucuses in the new House Democratic majority?
Why, of course, it must be the "centrists" affiliated with the Democratic Leadership Council's "New Democrat Coalition." Yes, that's got to be the case because all the commentators at the Wall Street Journal keep saying that centrists were the big winners on Tuesday.
Er, no.
Well, then, it must be the more conservative Democrats who identify themselves as "Blue Dogs." Surely, that's the answer because all the folks on Fox News keeping talking about them.
Nope.
The largest ideological caucus in the new House Democratic majority will be the Congressional Progressive Caucus, with a membership that includes New York's Charles Rangel, Michigan's John Conyers, Massachusetts' Barney Frank and at least half the incoming chairs of House standing committees.
Big tent, imo, is not just a slogan. *Open*, honest debate within our Congressional delegations is a healthy thing in itself and a refreshing change from the lock step Republican standard.