REP. HARRY MITCHELL

Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Ariz., has announced that her colleague, Rep. Harry Mitchell, D-Tempe, was one of six House members added today to the Blue Dog Coalition. This issue-oriented congressional caucus (or voting bloc) is centered around Democrats who want their party to shed the image of “tax-and-spend,” and adopt conservative fiscal policies that includes lowering key taxes and balancing the budget as soon as possible. The coalition also serves as a sanctuary for Democrats who are pro-life or strong gun rights advocates, in conflict with the official party platform.

Membership in the coalition is restricted and considered desireable because Republicans have a hard time labeling such Democrats as “liberal.” Washington political observers were surprised when Giffords was added to the coalition after the 2004 election but Mitchell wasn’t.

Apparently, with a larger Democratic majority next year, the coalition decided to grow as well and Mitchell made the cut this time.

Posted in: Congress • Blue Dog Democrats • Gabrielle Giffords • Harry Mitchell |

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