From The Hill, about the moderate-liberal group: "The New Democrat Coalition has swelled in numbers and hopes to fill
the power vacuum created by the recent and rapid decline of the [moderate-conservative] Blue Dog
Coalition. The group — whose members advocate a free-trade, business-friendly
agenda that sometimes bucks the party — is hoping to emerge as a
powerbroker in the 113th Congress."
The article continues: "Working in their favor, the group has picked up more than a dozen new
members since the Nov. 6 elections — a combination of newly
elected-Democrats and incumbents who have joined this month — growing
their ranks to at least 52 next year. (A few House races are still too
close to call). Meanwhile, the Blue Dog Democrats — who boasted a
membership of 54 in the 111th Congress — will see that number shrink to
14 in the 113th. The New Democrats see new leverage in those shifting dynamics, and they're hoping to exert it in the upcoming budget battles."
More about the Congressional vote bloc: "[Vice Chairman and Rep. Gerry] Connolly was quick to point out that New Democrats are already pushing
back against Pelosi's early and blanket opposition to entitlement
benefit cuts as part of the budget negotiations. (The group says all
options should be on the table in this early stage of the talks). He
also claimed the group was influential in providing guidance to other
Democrats surrounding Friday's passage of legislation expanding trade
with Russia — a proposal the group supported."
New Democrat Coalition Hopes To Be A Force
