On Thursday, Dec. 12, nine Democrat state senators announced the formation of the “Blue Dog Caucus”in the Minnesota Senate, aiming to “pursue a practical, bipartisan path forward for all Minnesotans.” The state senators include 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).
As noted in their official announcement, 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.
State Senator Torrey Westrom (R-Alexandira) released the following statement:
“The newly formed ‘Blue Dog Caucus’ should really be called the ‘Lap Dog Caucus.’
“Unfortunately, every one of these members obediently followed the will of their caucus and helped pass their extreme, partisan agenda these past two years. Their voting record shows how they were anything but ‘pragmatic, reasonable, and balanced.’ This includes supporting out-of-the-mainstream abortion policies–with up-to-the-moment-of-birth abortions of babies; crippling mandates on schools; controversial sex changes on minor children without parental consent; and free college, health care, and driver’s licenses for illegal immigrants.
“This group of Senate Democrats also helped deplete the entire $19 billion surplus and voted in favor of $10 billion in taxes and fees. They failed to work across the aisle and find solutions that would benefit the lives of all Minnesotans. Alarmingly, our state is now facing a looming $5.1 billion deficit due to their decision to fall in line with the far left of their party.
“Finally, at the end of the last session, they stood by while Senate rules were openly violated. They silenced any opposition and pushed through last-minute legislation—bills that hadn’t even been given to senators before the vote. Instead of standing up and saying ‘NO,’ they let this unconscionable behavior continue unchecked.
“Actions speak louder than words, so rather than trying to rebrand themselves as the so-called ‘Blue Dog Caucus,’ their final votes over the past two years have shown they should instead be called the ‘Lap Dog Caucus,’ so don’t be fooled.”