I wouldn't categorize the JP as "far left." They actually have a moderately conservative editorial policy and have endorsed the Republican presidential ticket in recent elections. But aside from that office they are hard-wired to endorse the Democrat in almost all other races.
They're more "yellow dog Democrats" than anything else.
I think you mean “Blue Dog Democrats because Yellow Dog Democrats will vote for a Yellow dog BEFORE they would vote for a Republican. YDD are LEFTY LIBERALS....usually STUPID OLD PEOPLE....kinda like Koch is showing himself to be.