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Blue Dog Congressional Democrats, joined by reactionary GOPs, expressed outrage at their stunning loss of the chair of the powerful Energy and Commerce Committee to progressive icon Henry Waxman (D-21st Century):

Particularly upset were the conservative Blue Dog Democrats. One member said they were “in orbit — they think it’s a California takeover.”

The Blue Dogs appear terrified of the leftward turn Henry Waxman's upset victory might signal, and caution him to hew to the Magic Center:

Rep. Charlie Melancon (La.), a fellow new Blue Dog leader, agreed that centrists are still willing to work with Waxman.

“Give the man the opportunity to demonstrate that we’re not going ‘hard left,’ or ‘off the cliff’,” Melancon said. “There’s no fears, but there’s some concerns.”

Ha, ha! "Some concerns" that required you to change your underwear, maybe, Blue Dog?

And when a reactionary right-wing GOP joins the concern-trolling of the Blue Dogs, you can see who in Congress they are really most like:

Even a Republican, fellow Michigan Rep. Thaddeus McCotter, criticized Democrats for ousting Dingell. He noted that it came on the same day that a bailout for automakers collapsed in Congress.

“For working families, the American auto industry and our entire manufacturing base an already dim day has grown darker, due to this internecine betrayal of Chairman Dingell,” McCotter said in a statement.

It's a bright, progressive day for the People's House. We should celebrate this victory; it's a special one that bodes well for Progress and for Progressive ideas and ideals.  Of course, some go-slow reactionaries in our party can't see through their monocles:

“I think it was highly inappropriate. There was no obvious reason to make this change,” said Rep. Rick Boucher (D-Va.), a Dingell whip and an ally on the measured approach to climate change. Another centrist Dingell supporter called the vote “an outrage.”

Boo fucking hoo. Your influence fades quickly as change overtakes the People's House. Can we hear a lamentation, please?

“We’ll work with the new leadership,” said Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (S.D.). “But to deny a man who defines the modern Congress ... is a mistake.”

Nice to know the Blue Dogs aren't planning to be completely obstructionist right out of the gate -- this "work with" attitude is one they ought to share with their GOP colleagues. It'll suit them as well.