EMERSON'S BLUE DOGS

As he prepares to begin his 16th year in Congress next month, Rep. Bill Emerson is in the thick of the various budget and other battles currently raging in Washington. Little thinks like lung cancer and chemotherapy treatments don't seem to be holding him back from presiding in the speaker's chair and other vigorous duties.

Most interesting was his announcement that he is forming a Blue Dog Republican Caucus to complement the Blue Dog Caucus of conservative House Democrats. The latter group has arisen since President Clinton was elected to try to give voice to the dwindling band of traditionalists within the party founded by Thomas Jefferson.

The Blue Dog Democrats have fallen on hard times. For one think, there numbers dwindle every time another member switches parties. For another the David Boniors within their party preach a brand of tolerance and inclusion that stops short of tolerating the Blue Dogs.

Enter Bill Emerson. Perhaps by virtue of having been elected from what originally was an overwhelmingly Democratic district, Emerson is uniquely suited to the task of reaching out to the increasingly disaffected conservative Democrats.

The state goal is direct communication between the Blue Dog Republicans and their Democratic counterparts and to effect conservative change, mostly toward the GOP goal of a balanced budget in seven years. If the Emerson effort assists in accomplishing that goal, he will deserve the thanks of all Americans.