Jim Matheson: “I had the opportunity to consider different groups to affiliate with and issues to focus on. And before I even got here…”

“I had the opportunity to consider different groups to affiliate with and issues to focus on. And before I even got here as a candidate, I was talking about the notion of fiscal responsibility, about what a great opportunity we have right now to take our Federal budget and really work in a good way to reduce debt and to reduce the burden of debt on future generations. The Blue Dog message was one that was so consistent with mine, it was a great experience for me to learn about this group and be affiliated with them. The other reason I am happy to be a Blue Dog is that the Blue Dogs have a reputation for being very straight up. We put the figures and facts out on the table, and we are happy to work with people. And we say that in an honest way. We are prepared to reach across the aisle and work with anybody in this House, regardless of party, regardless of ideology. We want to work with them to come up with good ideas for being fiscally responsible.”