Blue Dog Coalition
The Blue Dog Coalition, commonly known as the Blue Dogs or Blue Dog Democrats, is a caucus of moderate members from the Democratic Party in the United States House of Representatives.[5][7] The caucus was founded as a group of conservative Democrats in 1995 in response to defeats in the 1994 elections. Historically, the Blue Dog Coalition has been both fiscally and socially conservative.[13][14][12] At its peak in 2009, the Blue Dog Coalition numbered 54 members.[15]
"Blue Dogs" redirects here. For the American band formed in 1987, see The Blue Dogs (band).
Blue Dog Coalition
Jared Golden (Administration)
Mary Peltola (Policy)
Marie Pérez (Communications)
February 14, 1995
- Center[8] to center-left[11]
- Historical:
- Center-right[12]
In the late 2010s and early 2020s, the Coalition's focus shifted towards ideological centrism and 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]
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Alaska
California
Georgia
Maine
New Jersey
North Carolina
Texas
Washington
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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 between liberal and conservative positions, including classically liberal policies. Most of its members represent competitive swing districts, and are thus inclined to appeal to swing 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]
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Official website
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