SCOTTSDALE - On November 24, 2006 Representative-elect Harry Mitchell told the Christian Science Monitor "I met with the Blue Dogs. It's not what I am, but it fits my district in Arizona, Mr. Mitchell says." (Christian Science Monitor, "Congress's Pragmatic Newcomers," November 24, 2006)

Less than one year ago, Mr. Mitchell's application for membership to the U.S. House Blue Dog Coalition, a group of fiscally conservative, mainstream Democrats who vote together to influence legislation, was rejected.  (The Arizona Republic, "Conservative Blue Dogs Take Giffords, Not Mitchell," June 15, 2007)

In a column published today on Human Events, syndicated columnist Robert Novak highlighted that the new crop of Blue Dog members tend to be dependable votes for the Democratic Majority despite a reputation to the contrary. 

Novak exposes Mr. Mitchell's real record stating:  "While he publicly has avowed independence, Mitchell voted straight Democratic on every issue except a tax increase."  (Humanevents.com, "Blue Dog Blues," May 28, 2008)

Novak points out Mr. Mitchell's reliable voting record with the Democratic majority on items such as:  blocking the Columbia Free Trade Agreement and his strident opposition to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). 

According to the washingtonpost.com, to date, Mr. Mitchell has voted with the Democratic Majority 88.7% of the time.

###