Blue Dog Dems back Crowley in caucus move

WASHINGTON, Nov. 8 (UPI) -- Moderate Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives are pushing for Rep. Joe Crowley of New York to become the House caucus vice chairman, sources say.

A win by Crowley would help the so-called Blue Dog Democrats gain the House leadership positions they believe they deserve after adding to their numbers in this year's elections, the Washington publication The Hill reported.

Crowley could get some competition for the vice chairman post from Rep. Xavier Becerra, D-Calif. But Crowley is getting much support from his fellow New York lawmakers as well from centrist Democrats across the board, The Hill said. The House Democratic Caucus vice chairman's job came open when Rep. John Larson, D-Conn., who had held the job, announced his bid for caucus chairman.

Blue Dog Democrats are also lining up behind Rep. John Dingell, D-Mich., in his effort to challenge liberal Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Calif., for the chairmanship of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, The Hill said.

The party leadership positions are expected to be settled at organizational meetings held Nov. 17 and 18.