Trade dispute exposes House Democrats' turmoil, challenges

In this April 10, 2014 file photo, Rep. Gerald Connolly, D-Va. listens during a hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington. Congress"™ upheaval over trade has exposed turmoil within a House Democratic caucus that"™s grown smaller and more liberal in recent years as moderates have been ousted in successive election bloodlettings. Those who remain must answer to ideologically driven voters and labor unions fighting their own battles for survival, even if it means sidelining their own leaders and humbling their president in the process.

J. Scott Applewhite, File, Associated Press

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In this Sept. 5, 2013 file photo, Rep. Alan Grayson, D-Fla. walks on Capitol Hill in Washington. Congress"™ upheaval over trade has exposed turmoil within a House Democratic caucus that"™s grown smaller and more liberal in recent years as moderates have been ousted in successive election bloodlettings. Those who remain must answer to ideologically driven voters and labor unions fighting their own battles for survival, even if it means sidelining their own leaders and humbling their president in the process.

J. Scott Applewhite, File, Associated Press

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In this June 17, 2015 file photo, President Barack Obama looks out as he sits on stage at the Warner Theatre in Washington. Congress"™ upheaval over trade has exposed turmoil within a House Democratic caucus that"™s grown smaller and more liberal in recent years as moderates have been ousted in successive election bloodlettings. Those who remain must answer to ideologically driven voters and labor unions fighting their own battles for survival, even if it means sidelining their own leaders and humbling their president in the process.

Carolyn Kaster, File, Associated Press

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In this March 25, 2015 file photo, Rep. Steve Israel, D-N.Y. speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington. Congress"™ upheaval over trade has exposed turmoil within a House Democratic caucus that"™s grown smaller and more liberal in recent years as moderates have been ousted in successive election bloodlettings. Those who remain must answer to ideologically driven voters and labor unions fighting their own battles for survival, even if it means sidelining their own leaders and humbling their president in the process.

Andrew Harnik, File, Associated Press

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In this June 4, 2015 file photo, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of Calif. speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington. Congress"™ upheaval over trade has exposed turmoil within a House Democratic caucus that"™s grown smaller and more liberal in recent years as moderates have been ousted in successive election bloodlettings. Those who remain must answer to ideologically driven voters and labor unions fighting their own battles for survival, even if it means sidelining their own leaders and humbling their president in the process.

Susan Walsh, File, Associated Press

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WASHINGTON — Congress' upheaval over trade has exposed lots of turmoil within the House Democratic caucus.

It's a caucus that's grown smaller and more liberal in recent years as moderates have lost their seats.

Those Democrats who remain must answer to ideologically driven voters and to labor unions fighting their own battles for survival.

The result is a caucus dominated by some of its most liberal members. The remaining centrists are left to wonder whether that'll make it harder for their party to regain the House majority anytime in the next decade.

The tea party wing of the Republican Party has pulled the entire GOP to the right and hampered attempts at compromise on Capitol Hill. Some now fear a similar dynamic is taking shape on the left.

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Trade dispute exposes House Democrats’ turmoil, challenges