Ross opposed Pelosi; takes new role with moderate Democrats

U.S. Rep. Mike Ross, D-Prescott, was on the losing side of Nancy Pelosi’s election as Minority Leader, but has captured some leadership roles attached to his affiliation with the “Blue Dog” Democrats and his seat on the House Foreign Relations Committee.

Ross, whose District includes portions of the Fort Smith area, nominated U.S. Rep. Heath Shuler, D-N.C., in his bid to challenge House Speaker Pelosi as the Democratic Minority Leader in the next Congress. The Republicans will be the Majority Party in the House in the next Congress.

Ross’ office issued this statement: “U.S. Congressman Mike Ross today helped nominate and voted for fellow Blue Dog and conservative Democrat U.S. Congressman Heath Shuler, D-N.C., for Minority Leader at the Democratic organizational caucus meeting for the 112th Congress set to begin on Jan. 5, 2011. Shuler did lose his bid for Minority Leader to current House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.”

The vote was 150-43 in support of Pelosi.

Continuing, Ross noted: “Given the Democrats historic losses on Nov. 2nd, the voters have clearly demanded a more moderate Congress and we must respect that demand with a new, more moderate leader,” said Ross. “Heath Shuler’s bipartisan and commonsense approach to legislating is something that would have served this nation well in the next Congress as the Minority Leader.”

Also, Ross was recently elected as co-chair for communications of the conservative Democratic coalition known as the Blue Dogs. The move will likely raise Ross’ national profile on issues of debate in the 112th Congress. Many political observers speculate that the Blue Dogs may wield more power in the next session of Congress as Republican and Democratic hard-liners seek their centrist support.

“At a time when both parties are being pulled far from the mainstream, I am proud to help lead the Blue Dog Coalition as it continues to be a moderating force in the 112th Congress,” Ross said.

The higher national profile could serve as early preparation for a Ross bid for Arkansas Governor in which he would seek to position himself as a moderate or independent Democrat, noted this report from Talk Business.

Ross was also elected vice president of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Parliamentary Assembly (NATO-PA). Ross is a member of the House Foreign Relations Committee. Ross is the only U.S. official among NATO-PA’s Bureau of the Assembly, or leadership authority, which consists of a president, five vice presidents, treasurer and secretary general.  The annual session includes 260 members of parliament from 48 countries, including all 28 NATO-member countries.