Minnesota has often cherished its core Democratic values that have often been a cornerstone of its progressivism. Chalk this notion up to the majority of its U.S. congressional delegation who are members of the DFL party. On the heels of President Obama’s Minnesota kickoff to his healthcare promotion tour, one rural DFLer seems to be bucking the trend of social progressivism as it applies to healthcare.

Rep. Colin Peterson, whose district includes a wide swath of western Minnesota, happens to be part of the Blue Dog coalition — the renegade group of fiscally conservative Dems in the congress whose influence on the threat to nix the public option provision cannot be denied in the run up to a vote on healthcare reform. Essentially indistinguishable from the Republican values and response to Obama’s renewed vigor for a government option in healthcare delivery, Peterson and his fellow Dogs have promised to vote against any bill containing a public option provision. And he appears to be protected by the Minnesota DFL party, given his “D” designation and pro-life stance as a firewall against any serious Republican opposition. In his tour of his district in recent weeks, Peterson has been met with equal parts scorn and support.

“People are watching health care very closely,” said Scott Hennen, a conservative radio host who moderated a recent town hall meeting with Peterson in Moorhead. “He’s saying the right things right now. But it will be a trust-but-verify type deal.”

Fully aware that Minnesota’s Seventh Congressional District would likely fall into Republican hands without a strong Democrat who opposes abortion such as Peterson, Democratic leaders tend to give the Detroit Lakes native all the leeway he wants.

Still, the question remains, who will influence Peterson more? The Republican party (and the other Dogs)? Or the Minnesota DFL? It’s a fine line in a socially conservative region in the state characterized by significant unemployment and the subsequent loss of access to healthcare for many of its citizens — both factors even many here cannot deny. | LINK

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