Are the ‘Blue Dogs’ all bark and no bite?

Senators enter their 'moderate' era

Last week, the following statement appeared on the Minnesota Senate DFL’s website:

Today, Senator Matt Klein (DFL-Mendota Heights), Senator Nick Frentz (DFL – North Mankato), Senator Judy Seeberger (DFL – Afton), Senator Grant Hauschild (DFL – Hermantown), Senator Ann Rest (DFL – New Hope), Senator Rob Kupec (DFL – Moorhead), Senator Aric Putnam (DFL – St. Cloud), and Senator John Hoffman (DFL – Champlin) announced the formation of the Blue Dog Coalition in the Minnesota Senate. The group of legislators represents a diverse range of communities from urban, suburban, regional hubs, and rural towns. The group looks forward to playing a role in the upcoming policy and budget discussions given the 67-67 split in the Minnesota State House, where the Senate voice could tip the balance.

“Minnesotans want legislators who hear them, who work to improve their daily lives, who are careful with their tax dollars, and who collaborate to solve problems,” said Senator Matt Klein andSenator Nick Frentz. “The Blue Dog Coalition formed to pursue a practical, bipartisan path forward for all Minnesotans.”

The Mission Statement of the Senate Blue Dog Coalition is:

The Minnesota Senate Blue Dog Coalition stands for pragmatic, reasonable, and balanced policies that reflect the values of all Minnesotans. We are committed to problem-solving, collaboration, and the pursuit of fiscally responsible policies that support working families, small businesses, and communities in every corner of our state. We seek to bridge divides and bring bipartisan solutions that serve all Minnesotans, regardless of political affiliation.

Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson’s (R) response is worth noting:

“Every single one of these democrats voted for a progressive, partisan agenda that included $10 billion in new taxes and fees, spent the entire $18 billion surplus, and leads to a projected $5.1 billion deficit.

“They all voted for the failed marijuana equity license lottery, free healthcare, college, and drivers licenses for illegal immigrants, delivery fees for online purchases, dozens of mandates on schools, and a last minute, massive 1,400-page bill that destroyed the trust and reputation of the Senate.

“And, every one of these democrats voted to put their partisan agenda ahead of the trust of Minnesotans by supporting Nicole Mitchell and rejecting efforts to hold her accountable for her actions.

It is now being reported that the Blue Dogs will not vote to raise taxes in the next legislative session. Judging by their records, we should treat this with skepticism but also, perhaps, a degree of optimism. Maybe these dogs really have learned some new tricks.