Arlington’s General Assembly Legislators Slipping?
Last Friday, the American Conservative Union (ACU) announced their “second annual conservative ratings of the Virginia General Assembly” to honor the Old Dominion’s “true conservatives.” The announcement pointed out:
“Last year, the American Conservative Union launched a new initiative to bring its annual Ratings of Congress – considered the gold standard of conservative voter education guides – to the state level, issuing inaugural ratings of state legislators in the battleground states of Florida, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio and the Commonwealth of Virginia.”
Not surprisingly, not one of Arlington County’s seven legislators in the Virginia General Assembly came close to being named to the two categories of Conservative All-Stars. Defenders of Liberty earn a rating of 100% in the 2012 Virginia legislative rating (requires Adobe). Six senators and 23 delegates earned this honor for 2012. In the second category -- ACU Conservatives -- a score of 80% or higher was required. Eleven senators and 40 delegates were named ACU Conservatives.
ACU’s 2012 ratings scored four members members of the Senate as True Liberals of the Old Dominion for receiving scores of 0% on the 2012 legislative ratings. Despite Arlington County’s reputation as the liberal bastion of Virginia, not one of the seven members of the county’s “Richmond Delegation” received the dubious award of being a True Liberal of the Old Dominion for 2012. Here are the ACU percentage scores for the seven members:
Virginia Senate
- Adam Ebbin -- 5%
- Barbara Favola -- 10%
- Janet Howell -- 5%
Virginia House of Delegates
- Bob Brink -- 13%
- David Englin -- 4%
- Patrick Hope -- 4%
- Alfonso Lopez -- 4%
In the Senate, Mr. Ebbin avoided a True Liberal award with his vote on SB 674 (wrongful death cause of action for the unborn). Ms. Favola also voted with the ACU on SB 674. She also voted with the ACU on an item in HB 1301 (government mandate on health insurance providers). Ms Howell voted with the ACU on HB 375 (protecting the right to store one’s firearms in his or her car).
In the House of Delegates, all four delegates avoided being True Liberals of the Old Dominion by voting with the ACU on HB 1063 ((returning to local government the authority to set the school calendar). In addition, Mr. Brink voted with the ACU on the House budget and a budget amendment.
Will Arlington County's seven legislators in the Virginia General Assembly work harder next year to earn a True Liberal of the Old Dominion designation? Although no General Assembly seats will be voted on in the general election on November 6, 2012, remember to reference the American Conservative Union's Virginia legislative ratings guide when considering how you will vote a year from now.