Boehner: Blue Dogs more like 'lap dogs'

I think this is a missed opportunity from the Republican leadership to reject potential help from Blue Dogs in the House. Yes, the Blue Dogs are Democrats and will typically vote in alliance with their own Party, but with the budget coming up for discussion having them on their side would have enabled Republicans to actually have a say in the proposal. If a coalition were to form, President Obama would have to show some concessions to avoid the negative press from attacking him and the plan. Even if it were just for this issue alone, Republicans could stop some of the problems they see in the proposal. On the other hand, I can see how Republicans may not like joining with their colleagues because of the election that will occur in 2010. It stands to reason that many of the Blue Dogs would be going up against the Republican Party in the next election and by avoiding them they can continue to use communicative strategies to illustrate flaws they see in their opposition.