Contact:

Matt Dempsey Matt_Dempsey@epw.senate.gov (202) 224-9797

David Lungren David_Lungren@epw.senate.gov (202) 224-5642

National Journal Rates Inhofe as Top Conservative for 2009

WASHINGTON, D.C. - National Journal Magazine's annual Congressional Vote Ratings for 2009 has identified U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) as the top Conservative member in the Senate.

In reporting their findings, National Journal said Inhofe was the "only senator with a perfect conservative score in 2009."

"I strongly believe that the conservative principles of less government, lower taxes, greater individual freedom and responsibility, and a strong national defense are the best answers for our nation," Inhofe said.  "I will continue to stand for common sense Oklahoma values and against the liberal agenda of socialized medicine, run-away government spending, cap-and-trade, and the disarming of our national defense."

National Journal's annual vote ratings have ranked members of Congress since 1981.  Using statistical analysis, the ranking looked at 99 key votes in the Senate for 2009 to calculate where members fell on the conservative to liberal ideological spectrum.  The votes included economic, social, and foreign-policy votes.

 Click here to view the rankings.

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