GOP moderates enjoy Democratic leadership

WASHINGTON, April 6 (UPI) -- Moderate Republicans in the U.S. Congress say they are finding that their work is more rewarding under Democratic leadership.

When Republicans were in control, the party's moderates were out in the cold, expected to support their leaders on critical votes while legislation that might appeal to their constituents had no hope of getting to the floor, The New York Times reported. To add injury to insult, many lost their seats in last November's Democratic onslaught or held on by their fingernails.

Rep. Mike Ferguson, R-N.J., won last year with less than 50 percent of the vote in a district that spans the state and includes up-market and blue-collar suburbs, small cities and rural areas. He backs pro-union legislation.

"Under the Republican majority, those bills would have never gotten to the floor," he said before heading back to his district. "Now they have been brought to the floor, and I've voted for them."