Rep. Collin Peterson seated in his Washington office. MPR photo/Brett Neely

“In the early years of President Obama’s administration, members of the Blue Dog Coalition, a conservative Democratic caucus, were among the most influential in the House. Leaders from both parties coveted their swing votes on legislation ranging from federal health care to budget bills.

“Now the Blue Dogs’ bark has become more of a whimper. Political forces have decimated their ranks and influence, leaving just 15 members of a pack that once stood more than 50 strong,” via Star Tribune.