WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Club for Growth released its 2007 annual scorecard, awarding the Defender of Economic Freedom award to six senators and forty-nine representatives who scored a 90 or above on the Club's scorecard (see here).
"These top-scoring members of Congress are staunch defenders of American taxpayers," said Club for Growth President Pat Toomey. "Their votes are critical to lowering taxes, cutting wasteful spending, and promoting economic growth for all Americans. The Club for Growth scorecard allows taxpayers to see how their senators and representatives are performing in Congress and find out who is truly fighting for pro-growth, limited-government policies. We hope that support for pro-growth principles will continue to grow, allowing more members to earn this award and more Americans to benefit."
The ratings are based on a comprehensive examination of votes in the House and Senate pertaining to key economic issues, including taxes, wasteful spending, entitlement reform, free trade, and regulation. Each lawmaker is given an economic growth score ranging from 0 to 100, with a score of 100 indicating the highest support for pro-growth policies. The Club is also introducing a searchable database that allows you to search past and current scorecards by party, state, house, and member.
In Indiana, Dr. Eric Schansberg, candidate the U.S. House 9th District, reviewed the numbers and shows a mixed view of Indiana's delegation. In his blog, he writes, "Not surprisingly, Mike Pence dominates with 99% and an average ranking of 3rd (out of 435). Dan Burton is next with 78% and an average ranking of 67th. Steve Buyer is close behind with 74% and 79th. Mark Souder trails a bit with 60% and an average of 123rd place."
"Of past reps, Chocola was impressive with 93%, good for 12th place. Hostettler had 76% and 58th place. Sodrel had 60% and an average of 113rd place. Then there's the Democrats: blue dogs Ellsworth at 18% and 206th and Hill at 15% and 216th and the full-blown socialists: Julia Carson at 5% and 364th; Visclosky at 3% and 392nd; Donnelly at 1% and 394th."
Rankings of the representatives votes on issues related to civil liberties would give libertarians a much better handle on our best representatives. Our most conservative legislators have consistently voted in favor of curtailed freedoms and more centralized government power.
