Being a so-called Blue Dog Democrat in a red state like Mississippi has to be challenging. These politicians are lucky to have their seats, and they know it. But how should those of us who are their progressive constituents cope with them when they rarely seem to represent our interests? Do we try to find primary challengers or simply reassure ourselves with the possibly false mantra that they are still somehow better than Republicans?

These questions have great relevance for me because the member of Congress tasked with representing my district is Rep. Gene Taylor (D-MS). He is a Blue Dog who proudly describes himself as a conservative. What he is doing in the Democratic Party has always been a mystery to me. Who exactly is his base in Mississippi?

Of course, Taylor is not conservative enough to make his Republican opponents happy. No matter how infrequently he votes with the Democrats, it is always going to be too frequent for his critics. As a result, they are lining up to challenge him.

It was no surprise to see that Taylor is opposing health care reform, but it has made me start thinking about what those of us who find ourselves represented by people like Rep. Taylor should do. Do I hold my nose and vote for him because he just might be slightly better than a Republican challenger, or do I hope someone else steps up to better represent progressive values?

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