WASHINGTON — The Blue Dogs have been brought to heel.
A group of conservative House Democrats known as the Blue Dog Coalition was decimated in Tuesday’s election, with more than half of its 54 members voted out of office.
The once-powerful coalition lost at least 28 members to election defeat by Republicans, and the number could increase as votes in some races are still being counted.
COMPLETE ELECTION 2010 COVERAGE
That’s nearly half of the Democratic election carnage that handed Republicans control of the House. Blue Dogs lost an additional two members to retirement, while another pair ran unsuccessfully for the Senate.
All were replaced by Republicans.
The group’s large numbers used to give it pull with Democratic leaders to shape legislation.
But Republicans have long criticized Blue Dogs for talking a good game of fiscal conservatism, but too often falling into line in support of Democratic leaders’ liberal policies.
House Democrat loses in New York included two Blue Dogs from upstate, Rep. Michael Arcuri and Rep. Scott Murphy.
“We rode the wave four years ago and tonight we were hit by it,” Arcuri said in a concession speech.