Blue Dog Coalition

Washington - The fiscally conservative Democratic Blue Dog Coalition expanded their ranks in the U.S. House of Representatives today by adding Rep. Larry Kissell, D-N.C., as its newest member.  Kissell, first elected in 2008 and who represents the 8th Congressional District in south central North Carolina, brings the group’s total membership to 25.  

Kissell of Biscoe, N.C., worked for 27 years in the textile industry and taught for seven years as a high school civics teacher.  He is a member of the House Armed Services Committee and House Agriculture Committee; a lead supporter of American manufacturing; and, is a fierce advocate for fiscal responsibility in Congress.  He is consistently rated as among the most independent Members in the House of Representatives.

“Larry Kissell is not only a true fiscal conservative, but he is also one of the hardest working and most principled leaders I have ever had the privilege of working with in Congress,” said Rep. Heath Shuler, D-N.C., Blue Dog Co-Chair for Administration.  “Throughout his time serving the people of North Carolina’s 8th Congressional District, Larry has fought tirelessly to create jobs, support and protect our troops, and put our nation back on a fiscally responsible path.  He has long embodied the values and spirit of the Blue Dog Coalition, and we are excited and honored that he is now officially part of our Blue Dog family.”

“I’ve always said I’m not much of a joiner, but I believe that a strong moderate presence is needed, and that’s why I have joined the Blue Dog Coalition,” said Rep. Larry Kissell, D-N.C. “Now, more than ever, we must have representatives who are willing to work with both sides of the aisle to get the job done, whether working to create jobs and get our economy back on track or get our fiscal house in order, and it is clear that our moderate message is strongest when we stand together.”

“Larry Kissell has a strong record as a fiscal conservative and is well known for reaching across the aisle to find commonsense solutions.  So, Larry becoming a Blue Dog is a natural fit,” said Rep. Mike Ross, D-Ark., Blue Dog Co-Chair for Communications.  “As the country continues to be pulled apart by the political games of the far left and far right, we need more people like Larry Kissell who will fight for their constituents, stand up for good policy and work with both parties to get the job done.  The Blue Dogs will continue to welcome any member who embraces our principles of fiscal responsibility and accountability and our bipartisan, commonsense approach to solving the tough challenges facing this great country.”

“I’m glad that Congressman Kissell is joining the Blue Dog Coalition,” said Rep. John Barrow, D-Ga., Blue Dog Co-Chair for Policy. “Congressman Kissell has brought a fiscally responsible and independent voice to Congress since getting elected in 2008, and I look forward to working with him, the Blue Dog Coalition, and all members of Congress to get rid of wasteful spending and get folks back to work.”

“Congressman Kissell is a welcome addition to the Blue Dog Coalition.  His record as a fiscal conservative fits in well with our shared goals, and I am confident that he will make meaningful contributions to the group,” said Dan Boren, D-Okla., Blue Dog Whip.


The fiscally conservative Democratic Blue Dog Coalition was formed in 1995 with the goal of representing the center of the House of Representatives and appealing to the mainstream values of the American public.  The Blue Dogs are dedicated to a core set of beliefs that transcend partisan politics, including a deep commitment to the financial stability and national security of the United States.  Visit the Blue Dog website at http://ross.house.gov/BlueDog to learn more.  You can also get up-to-the-minute news updates on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/BlueDogPress.