Do Blue Dog Democrats really matter?

Moreover, as Democrats they agree with many of their party’s initiatives. In fact, Blue Dogs almost never vote as a separate bloc to oppose a major party position. And in the three-plus years since Democrats won control of the House, it has not happened at all. From TARP to stimulus funds to health care reforms, Blue Dogs simply do not constitute a cohesive or powerful force in congressional voting.

Rather, their members argue that their voices are heard within the Democratic caucus, in committees, and in private conversations with the party leadership and the president. This claim of insider influence over the agenda and on specific issues is credible, but difficult to pin down.