Report: Blue Dogs raking in the cash

 The fiscally conservative Blue Dog Democrats -- U.S. Rep. Mike Michaud of Maine is one of them -- are raising money in record numbers, according to a new report from the Center for Public Integrity.

 The center says the Blue Dog Political Action Committee has already raised more than $1 million in the first six months of this year, an indication of their growing power.

 You can read the report here: http://www.publicintegrity.org/articles/entry/1572/

 One of the areas where the Blue Dogs are influential is health care reform. Following President Barack Obama’s speech on the topic last night, Michaud released a statement saying he’s supportive, but he doesn’t want to be rushed.

 Here’s part of his statement:

 “As we move forward with reform legislation, I believe that it should be an open and bipartisan process.  It should allow Members of Congress and the American people sufficient time to review the bill and add their input.  Trouble sets in if things are rushed.  That is when the special interest exceptions, giveaways and lobbyist goodies are slipped into bills.  I’ve told my colleagues that we should not leave town for the August break if that’s what it takes to get a good reform package passed.

“I remain optimistic that we can pass a well structured reform bill that increases access, reduces costs and improves the quality of health care for everyone. But we must be thoughtful in the process and not squander this historic opportunity to bring the reality of affordable health care to all Americans.”