5 FL Republicans on Madison Project “Hall of Shame”
The Madison Project released a list of members of Congress who are “dramatically underperforming in strong Republican districts or have scored a failing grade in swing districts”. “These are our pale-pastel politicians – the ones who blur the distinction between the parties,” states the Madison Project website.
To gauge the voting records of Republicans in conservative districts the Madison Project created the Madison Performance Index, a one-stop site to hold Republican House members accountable for their voting record. “Have you ever wondered how your member’s voting record stacks up against the political orientation of his/her district? To answer that question, we’ve created the Madison Performance Index (MPI), a simple yet novel tool that compares the voting record to the ideological bent of the district,” notes the Madison Project website.
The Madison Project ranked five Florida members of Congress whose voting records placed them in their “Hall of Shame”.
One member is from a conservative Florida district (defined as R+7 and above). The comment is from the Madison Project:
Ander Crenshaw (FL-4) Crenshaw represents the second most conservative district in Florida, yet he is the most underperforming member and one of the most liberal Republicans in the delegation. In 2011, Crenshaw voted for every spending bill, the debt ceiling, and against almost every effort to cut spending. As a member of the appropriations committee, Crenshaw is a big supporter of TARP and earmarks. Although he voted against Obamacare, as did all Republicans, Crenshaw supports the provision to mandate coverage for preexisting conditions – the very mandates that are driving up the cost of health insurance premiums. He clearly has not understanding of free markets or the proper role of government.
Four members are from swing or lean Republican Florida districts who scored a failing grade on the legislative scorecards with comments from the Madison Project:
Bill Young (FL-10) Comment pending
David Rivera, (FL-25) Comment pending
Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-21) Comment pending
Illena Ros-Lehtinen (FL-18) Ros-Lehtinen is one of the most liberal members of the conference. She has a consistent voting record of a big spender over her 23-year career in the House. Moreover, she was one of the first Republicans to champion gay marriage. With that said, she has been a solid Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, something that is not reflected in her voting record. Her district is also trending more Democrat.
The Heritage Action for America website also has a score card for all members of Congress which may be searched by state. The score card for Florida may be viewed here.
Slade O’Brien, Director of Americans for Prosperity – Florida, says, “Compromise is the art of losing slowly.” The Madison Project and Heritage Action for America provide comparative lists of those who have compromised.
