RSSDo you stand for principle? We do.
The Heritage Foundation | October 29, 2011
How do we know Heritage Action is effective?
Members of Congress are complaining to the media that we’re holding them accountable.
Here’s an excerpt from an article that ran last night in Politico, a leading Capitol Hill newspaper:
Heritage Action for America — the fresh-faced activist attaché of the esteemed Heritage Foundation — is now issuing bad grades when members of Congress fail to co-sponsor a favored bill or don’t sign onto a letter advocating for policies backed by the organization.
Those are new standards for lawmakers who are accustomed to being only graded on their actual votes.
“I think it’s awful and I think it’s disgusting and I think it’s an example of Republicans eating Republicans,” Rep. Steve LaTourette (R-Ohio), a member of the centrist Tuesday Group, said. …
Heritage Action is the primary target of Republican ire. Members of Congress aren’t used to being graded on such a tough scale…
Here’s the truth about what we’re doing: we are standing up for conservative principles and holding every member of Congress—Republican and Democrat alike—accountable.
Our Legislative Scorecard shows the American people both how their lawmakers vote and what stances they take on important measures that may never come up for a vote.
When a Democrat or a Republican stands up for free enterprise, limited government, individual freedom, traditional American values, and a strong national defense, our scorecard reflects that. When they don’t stand up for principle, the scorecard reflects that as well. In other words, our scorecard shows who the real conservative leaders are.
But it sounds like some lawmakers are upset that we don’t grade them based on the letter after their name. And they’re upset that conservative activists like you are pressuring them to stand for principle.
In the next few weeks, Congressmen will have several opportunities to demonstrate their fealty to principle—or lack thereof.
Perhaps the most important test is the vote on the “continuing resolution” to fund the government for fiscal year 2012. And the temptation among many lawmakers will be to compromise with President Obama and Harry Reid and pass a bill that fails to cut spending.
Let me be clear: we will grade this vote. We will grade it based on the conservative principle of limited government.
In response, we are going to be launching a major initiative on federal spending in two weeks. Like our day-in, day-out work, this campaign will pressure Congress to stand up for what’s right, not just for what’s politically convenient. And I will be asking for your support.
Your dedication to principle is an inspiration to all of us at Heritage Action. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Michael A. Needham
Chief Executive Officer
Heritage Action for America
P.S. You can help us prepare for this important fight today.
Contributor's website: http://www.heritage.org
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