Dahlkemper Joins Fiscally Conservative Blue Dog Coalition

By THE OFFICE OF CONGRESSWOMAN KATHY DAHLKEMPER (D-3)

Washington, DC – Today, the fiscally conservative Democratic Blue Dog Coalition welcomed to their ranks Representative Kathy Dahlkemper (D-PA), a small business owner with a proven commitment to fiscal responsibility and accountability. Rep. Dahlkemper’s addition to the Coalition brings the group’s membership to 52.

“Representative Dahlkemper has firsthand knowledge of the struggles facing small business owners and employees in today’s struggling economy,” said Representative Charlie Melancon (D-LA), Blue Dog Co-Chair for Communications. “Having built a thriving business herself, she will undoubtedly be an asset to the Blue Dogs as we work to restore fiscal responsibility to government and put pay-as-you-go rules back into law.”

“Kathy Dahlkemper is a strong voice for fiscal responsibility and we are proud to welcome her to the Blue Dog Coalition,” said Representative Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (D-SD), Blue Dog Co-Chair for Administration. “Her demonstrated commitment to the core principles of the Blue Dogs will enhance our efforts to reign in federal spending and get our fiscal house in order.”

“I am very pleased to join the Blue Dog Coalition, a group that shares my strong belief in fiscal discipline and responsibility,” said Rep. Dahlkemper. “If Pennsylvania’s families and small businesses have to live within their means, Congress should have to as well. Our children’s future cannot be built upon a foundation of debt.”

“I look forward to working closely with my colleagues in the Blue Dog Coalition to put pay-as-you-go back on the books to ensure the long-term health and stability of our nation’s economy,” concluded Dahlkemper.

Proven Track Record of Fighting for Fiscal Discipline

Rep. Dahlkemper was a leader in the House efforts to stop a pay raise for members of Congress, saying that fiscal restraint begins at home.

Rep. Dahlkemper stood in strong support of President Barack Obama as he urged members of the House and Senate to pass PAY-GO, legislation requiring that any new mandatory government spending be matched with budget cuts or savings elsewhere.

She voted against the second Wall Street bailout, citing a lack of accountability, oversight, and transparency with the taxpayers’ dollars. While not yet elected to Congress, Rep. Dahlkemper voiced her opposition to the first TARP funds.

# # #

pa2010.com publishes press releases, statements and other information from campaigns and political committees. We also publish legislative releases from candidates considering higher office in 2010 and from incumbents holding those offices. E-mail releases to press@pa2010.com.