Definition

A member of the moderate-to-conservative wing of the US Democratic Party, usually in the House of Representatives. The Blue Dog Coalition formed in the mid-1990s and is known for fiscal caution and crossing the aisle. Their party's leadership knows them well, usually from late-night negotiations.

Example Usage

The Blue Dogs held the spending bill hostage until the leadership agreed to a deficit reduction clause, which made for a very lively caucus lunch.

Source: US congressional caucus politics, Blue Dog Coalition