Memo to NJ Democrats: Join this caucus

by: Hank Kalet

Tue Feb 10, 2009 at 05:56:47 PM EST

Rep. Bruce Braley, an Iowa Democrat, will officially announce the formation of the caucus later this week, with 21 founding members -- all Democrats. The initial purpose will be to influence legislation from within the Democratic caucus, but Braley did not rule out opening the group to Republicans.

Braley said that the caucus will give voice to the populist anger created by the plummeting economy and opaque bank bailout.

"As someone who has been out holding town hall meetings and getting a faceful of that populist rage, I know that it is real, it is a force that needs to be dealt with, and it needs to be given a voice," said Braley.

It won't be all pitchforks, though, Braley said. "We want to give voice to those cries and at the same time work constructively with other individuals in Congress to craft policies that are going to respond to those concerns."

The Populist Caucus will make its first major play by advocating for the inclusion of a "Buy American" provision in the stimulus package. Fair trade, healthcare and middle-class tax policy will also dominate the caucus' agenda, said Braley, a sophomore member.

In fact, I'm surprised to see only one New Jersey Democrat listed -- Donald Payne, who represents Essex County -- on the roster of the Progressive Caucus. There are seven other Congressional Democrats -- Rob Andrews, John Adler, Albio Sires, Rush Holt, Frank Pallone, Bill Pascrell and Steve Rothman. Not all can be considered progressive, but most are and should be part of the caucus.