Blue Dog Democrats take popular, moderate-to-conservative positions in their districts, but back in Washington they play games and often side with the liberal Democratic leadership. Once in a while, some of them vote with the Republicans. But somehow enough of them stick with their party and the Democrats win. The domestic drilling issue is a good example. Lots of them say they support the concept, but because their leadership blocks legislative action, the Blue Dogs bark, but don't vote. There is a way under the House rules, however, to force a vote. It's called a "discharge petition" and requires 218...