American Conservative Union introduces legislative ratings guide

At a press conference in the General Assembly Building this afternoon, American Conservative Union chairman Al Cardenas unveiled the groups inaugural Legislative Ratings Guide for the Virginia General Assembly. The guide’s aim is to provide “voters in bellwether states like Virginia” with “the latest information on their state legislators’ conservative credentials.”

The guide is timed to have maximum effect on the November elections and, given the statements of some Democrats that they really, honestly, aren’t anything at all like their liberal counterparts in DC, it could produce some uncomfortable moments.

Like for “pro-life,” pro-gun, anti-cap and trade Ward Armstrong. Based upon the vote matrix ACU designed — which covers both fiscal and social issues — Armstrong scored 26 out of a possible 100. Granted, that’s better than such luminaries as Dels. Adam Ebbin, Kaye Kory and David Englin, who all clocked in with goose eggs, but it pales in comparison to Armstrong’s opponent, Del. Charles Poindexter (who earned a 95).

Poindexter, by the way, has a new site worth checking out called “Wrong Again Ward.”

Cardenas also made special reference to Democratic Sen. Roscoe Reynolds, who is locked in the race of his career with Republican Sen. Bill Stanley. According to the ACU ratings, Roscoe scored a whopping 8 out of 100. Conversely, Stanley earned a perfect 100 rating and was named one of the group’s “Defenders of Liberty.”

And what of Democratic Sen. Phil Puckett, the man who disavowed President Obama and is touting his conservative credentials against Republican Adam Light?

The good Senator earned a 38. Far better than a George Barker (0 out of 100) or even a John Miller (8 out of 100). But not exactly the sort of number to write home about, let alone campaign on, in southwest Virginia.

The entire guide, with the votes scored and full ratings for every member of the General Assembly, can be found here.

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About the author

Norman Leahy

Norm Leahy has written about Virginia and national politics online since 2002, beginning with One Man's Trash (OMT), and continuing through Bacon's Rebellion (both the blog and the e-zine), Sic Semper Tyrannis, NBC12's Decision Virginia, Richmond.com and Tertium Quids. He is the chief blogger at "The Score" and a producer of "The Score" radio show as well as being a Washington Examiner contributor.