Since the last time

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Since the last time we ran down the list of the Fainthearted Faction, <$NoAd$> there have been a few changes. Rep. Harold Ford, formerly the Dean of the Faction, has lost his leadership post because of his statement opposing the Bush and Cato plans for phasing out Social Security. And now Rep. Jim Moran of Virginia is making a play for the leadership.

Furthermore, out of the blue, Gov. Ed Rendell has joined the Faction under the bylaws allowing ‘Associate Member’ status for active politicians not currently serving in Congress. And finally Rep. Ike Skelton confirmed his status in the Faction by expressing what the AP has called “wariness rather than outright opposition” to the Bush plan to phase out Social Security.

So, without further ado, here’s the current membership list of the Fainthearted Faction according to the latest tabulations of the TPM research and analysis department …

Fainthearted Faction

Rep. Marion Berry (D-Ark)
Rep. Allen Boyd (D-FL) (L&P!)
Rep. Robert “Bud” Cramer (D-AL)
Rep. Harold Ford (D-Tenn) (*)
Rep. Ron Kind (D-Wisc)
Rep. James Moran (D-VA) (*)
Sen. Ben Nelson (D-NB)
Rep. Collin Peterson (D-MN)
Rep. Ike Skelton (D-MO) (*)
Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA)
Rep. John Tanner (D-Tenn)
Rep. Gene Taylor (D-Miss)

Associate Members

Gov. Ed Rendell (D-PA) (*)

[ed. note: “L&P!” denotes members who are ‘Loud and Proud’ and now actively supporting the Bush Social Security phase-out plan. Asterisks by the name of members link to recent events which have led to their promotion, demotion or other status updates within the Faction.]

As you know, we’re always looking for more information on the Fainthearted Faction. So if you know of a Democrat who belongs on the list, please let us know. We’re also eager to find out more about possible primary challengers to Faction members.

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