'Blue Dog' Democrats Still Want Health Care Reform

Even after a rough summer of voter outrage and Republican attacks, most "Blue Dog" Democrats still believe Congress can pass some kind of health care reform and that doing so is necessary. How these conservative Democrats are feeling after the five-week recess is crucial to the success of President Obama's health care plan, as every Democratic vote will be necessary in the face of solid Republican opposition.

Several members of the Blue Dog coalition say that views on health care across the Democratic Party have not shifted much during this summer's battle, but that they are not looking to duck the debate. "I want to support necessary change," Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin told the New York Times. "But I don't want to support radical change."

Administration officials say that they find most Democrats actively engaged and ready to find common ground on the issue. But even with Blue Dog support, it is clear that some members of the coalition will only support a substantially pared down version of Obama's agenda.

For details: "Conservative Democrats Expect a Health Deal" [New York Times]