Liberals turn against Carney

The liberal wing of the Democratic Party is turning on U.S. Rep. Chris Carney (D-Dimock), actively campaigning against the incumbent despite his difficult re-election bid against Republican Chris Hackett, The Wall Street Journal reports.

The political action committee Blue America is campaigning against Carney and other Democratic lawmakers it perceives aren't progressive enough, particularly after some sided with President George Bush's domestic-surveillance program. The paper reports the PAC has taken out radio, TV and newspaper ads against Carney, who considers himself a moderate Democrat, also known as a "Blue Dog."

"Our goal is to attach a real price to the type of things Chris Carney is doing. If that means he ends up losing, then so be it," said Glenn Greenwald, one of the group's organizers, told the Journal. "I would rather see a smaller majority but fewer Blue Dogs than a big majority with the Blue Dogs in charge."

The paper also reported the group has endorsed Steven Porter in the 3rd Congressional District. Porter is a former Democratic candidate who ran against U.S. Rep. Phil English (R-Erie) and is now running as an independent. Democrat Kathy Dahlkemper, a self-described moderate Democrat, is trying to unseat English this year.