Going To The Dogs?

Even an Obama landslide probably wouldn't pull AR into his column 11/4, but that's not stopping B. Clinton and top AR Dems from stumping on his behalf 10/25 in Pine Bluff. One of those Dems is Rep. Mike Ross, who as Blue Dog co-chair is preparing for one of the most complex, but crucial, relationships the would-be president will have.

-- It's a delicate balance for the Dogs, many of whom are reluctant to cozy up to Obama in their conservative, rural districts, where frequently he trails McCain by wide margins. But the group's main reason for being - shaping fiscally responsible policy and passing balanced budgets - requires them to put aside partisanship and work closely with the WH. Especially if/when a Dem lives there.

-- Facing a $1T+ deficit, Ross says they're up to the challenge. "It will be a very important relationship if Obama wants to move his agenda. We're 49 members strong and we're likely to grow in the 111th," he told us. "We've got the votes to make a difference. Obama recognizes that."

-- Obama has gained considerable ground in WH'08 by vowing to put aside partisanship and find common goals. His success in the WH could hinge on his ability to coordinate his agenda with this growing group of strange bedfellows.