Childers is very sensitive to his “Blue Dog” status and well should be, as he is perhaps the most vulnerable of the 50 or so Democrats presently blessed (or cursed) with the label. Childers knows full well that a strong Republican contender could knock him off in the next election, On the other hand, if he votes the will of the district every time, the Democratic leadership may decide they would be no worse off with a real Republican.
Being a Blue Dog, however, can be profitable. The House group’s political action committee has raised over $1 million to ward off contenders, according to the Center for Public Integrity. Most of this money comes from lobbyists and special interest groups.
Childers, who wouldn’t even be in Washington if Republicans had been minding the store, is going to be under intense pressure the rest of this year.
Senatobia Democrat
8/3/9
Magnolia Tribune
