Loss Of Bart Gordon Is Progressive Gain
Insider political publications are reporting the decision of U.S. Representative Bart Gordon to retire as a loss for the Democratic Party. However, even as the Democratic Party is losing influence, progressives are gaining.
Bart Gordon is a Blue Dog, a member of a coalition of right wing Democrats in Congress who vote along with Republicans on the most important issues. They work to block progressive legislation, and to defend the worst policies left over from the time when George W. Bush was President.
In the 111th Congress, Bart Gordon has earned a progressive rating of 22 percent, and a right wing legislative score of 28, giving him a 6 point lean toward Republican Party ideology. The loss of Bart Gordon is therefore good news for progressive activists, who will have a clear path for nominating a more reasonable Democratic alternative, and who won’t need to suffer under another Blue Dog with increasing powers of seniority.
