It seems that yet another endangered species may soon be on the brink of extinction. And, we’re not talking here about polar bears. The species in jeopardy, rather, is a rare breed of Democrat known colloquially as “Blue Dogs.”
These fiscally-responsible, conservative-leaning Democrats are often labeled as an essential component to moving the Democratic Party’s agenda forward. The reality surrounding these Blue Dogs, however, is of a decidedly different pedigree.
The stark truth is that, come election night 2008 those in the House Democrat leadership will “put down” the Blue Dogs, with about as much compassion as Michael Vick on fight-night. Having secured an overwhelming Democrat gain, (we estimate as many as 30 to 40 seats), the House’s reigning “Queen of Mean” will arrange for a day of reckoning between she, her lieutenants, and those Democrats who got elected “going conservative” in purple-to-red districts.
The Blue Dog Democrats must understand the dire situation awaiting them on the election horizon. Additionally, they must realize that there are alternatives to extinction.
One (and perhaps the only) alternative for the Blue Dogs is to side with another seemingly endangered species: conservative Republicans. It seems that while the far left Democratic Party may be on the verge of purging its conservative-leaning Dogs, the Republican party has purged its unwanted conservative canines, as well.
That being said, those who truly stand for limited government and real economic responsibility—whether Democrat Dogs or conservative curs—are faced with one option: If the Blue Dog Democrats hope to survive the coming massacre and if true conservative Republicans desire to be effective, a party-line transcending team is the solution.
And to use the term “party-line” is even misleading. It is not the “D” or the “R” that matters, but the “C” that truly counts. Conservatives, regardless of party affiliation, must band together. If not, the cause of limited government may one day move from endangered species to totally extinct.
ALG CTA: Americans for Limited Government is extending an open invitation to every Blue Dog Democrat to sit down with our executive leadership to discuss ways to form a functional new conservative majority—regardless of party affiliation. Our legislative outreach team will be personally contacting every Blue Dog in the weeks ahead. We will keep you posted on the progress of this vital endeavor.
