Jane Harman (CA-36)

Background:
  • Official Website
  • First elected in 2000
  • Washington Office Phone #: (202) 225-8220
The Myth:
  • "Blue Dogs come in all shapes and sizes.  I’m the Grandma Dog." - Rep. Jane Harman's official website (Source)

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  • "Our government must operate in a fiscally responsible manner.  That’s why I’m a Blue Dog." - Rep. Jane Harman's official website (Source)

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  • "Circumstances are far worse than they were in the 90s – and political courage is hard to come by. But Blue Dogs will supply the votes to pass the “tough love” policies required. You have Grandma’s word." - Rep. Jane Harman's official website (Source)

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  • "We're Blue Dogs, too, and we believe in the group's core principles. But we've broken with our Blue Dog sisters and brothers over their lukewarm support for the public insurance option -- a concept we think must be part of a successful health care reform package." - Reps. Jane Harman and Loretta Sanchez (Source)

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  • “I’m committed to necessary short-term measures to restore economic growth, and I’m committed to restoring PAYGO to ensure major initiatives like health care reform are paid for.  Our generation must take responsibility for our actions, and not pass the bucks to our grandchildren.” - Rep. Jane Harman's official website (Source)
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The Truth:X=Fiscally Irresponsible
ISSUE   FACT
Votes with Pelosi on economic issues X 97%
Votes to keep PAYGO rules X 15%
RePORK Card Score X 0%
On Obamacare X Voted YES
Repeal ObamaCare's Individual Mandate? X Voted NO
On Cap and Trade X Voted YES
On Stimulus X Voted YES
On TARP X Voted YES
On Repealing TARP X Voted NO
On Obama Budget X Voted YES
On Cash for Clunkers X Voted YES
On Auto Bailout X Voted YES
On Fannie/Freddie Bailout X Voted YES

The Bottom Line:

Because of her progressive voting record, a local reporter had the good sense to ask Harman if she still considered herself a Blue Dog.  Here's what he wrote: "She said she does, and noted that when she joined the group in the early 1990s it was focused exclusively on budget discipline. She said she also opposes the Blue Dogs on energy legislation."

Hmmm, that's not exactly a ringing endorsement for fiscal discipline.  Nor does it deserve to be.

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