Congressman Dennis Cardoza
18th Congressional District of California

On Tuesday night, the Blue Dog Coalition, a group of 34 moderate to conservative House Democrats, tapped Cardoza to be the Coalition’s co-chair for communications in the 109^th Congress.  Cardoza was also elected today to the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee, which is responsible for nominating Democratic Members to serve on House Committees and advising Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi on policy. 

“I am honored to take on these new positions,” Cardoza said.  “The Blue Dogs are known for straight talk and common sense policies that matter to real people.  In these times of increasingly partisan politics, communicating our moderate vision and message of fiscal responsibility is more important than ever.”

“I am also grateful to have the opportunity to play a more significant role in shaping my party’s decision making in the House,” Cardoza added.  “We have a lot of work to do.”

Cardoza will assume the leadership roles in just his second term after establishing a centrist voting record and playing an active role in attempting to restore civility to Congress. 

As a leader of the Blue Dogs, Cardoza will be joined by fellow co-chairs, Rep. Jim Matheson, D-Utah and Rep. Jim Cooper, D-Tennessee, and whip, Rep. Mike Ross, D-Arkansas.

The Blue Dog Coalition has built a reputation as a force to be reckoned with in the policy arena, promoting positions that bridge the gap between ideological extremes.  Many of the group’s proposals have been praised as fair, responsible, and positive additions to a congressional environment too often marked as partisan and antagonistic.

“I look forward to working with my Blue Dog colleagues and other members on both sides of the aisle to develop practical solutions to our most pressing issues,” Cardoza said.