A new faction of moderate Democrats is taking root in the Legislature in hopes of influencing the outcome of key budget and policy matters this session.

They call themselves the Roadkill Caucus.

My story in today’s print edition.

I hear there are about eight senators and 16 representatives in the group and they get together for dinner and discussions Wednesday nights. Those are large enough numbers in each chamber to prevent the majority party from achieving a majority vote on matters. Roadkill members told me they don’t plan to lock up their votes in such a manner.

Among the leaders of the “roadies” are House Majority Leader Lynn Kessler, D-Hoquiam, Rep. Deb Eddy, D-Kirkland, Sen. Brian Hatfield, D-Raymond, and Sen. Steve Hobbs, D-Lake Stevens.

There are some, like Rep. Brian Blake, D-Aberdeen, who are open about their involvement in ‘RKC’ while many others prefer to keep it on the down low.

This caucus is the second major faction within the Democratic majority joining the older and better known Blue-Green Caucus comprised of left-leaning members who push labor and environmental issues.

There’s apparently another caucus called “A Bunch of Us” made up of Senate Democrats. I’ve got no good intel on them but if you’re one of them, let me know.