Wait. Ferguson Enthusiastic About Democratic Majority?
I'm not sure what to make of this one, but if the New York Times accurately captured Michael Ferguson's feelings then he prefers having a Democratic majority in Congress.
If the Democratic ascendance on Capitol Hill was supposed to usher in dark days for Republicans, it is hard to tell from talking to moderate ones like Mike Ferguson, who represents a suburban district in central New Jersey.As the new Democrat-led House rushed to complete its business before adjourning for spring break this week, Representative Ferguson was marveling at the many bills that had been passed in Congress’s first 100 days, including one that would make it easier for unions to organize and another that would increase the minimum wage.
“Under the Republican majority, those bills would have never gotten to the floor,” he explained before heading back to his district. “Now they have been brought to the floor, and I’ve voted for them.”
Mr. Ferguson’s enthusiasm captures a peculiar political reality in the Capitol: many Republicans from swing districts in the Northeast are finding that life under Democratic rule has its advantages.
During the 12 years that Republicans controlled the House, moderate Republicans were the stepchildren of their party, expected to vote with their conservative leadership on crucial issues, even if it meant taking positions that could anger centrist voters back home.
He's gone from Tom DeLay's (R-TX) favorite campaign check casher to a lover of the House under Nancy Pelosi (D-CA).
If Ferguson really prefers a Democratic majority maybe we can help him along in November 2008?
