2012 state legislative ratings guideacuratings.conservative.org/wp-content/uploads/... · 3 2012...

American Conservative Union • 1331 H St. NW, Suite 500, Washington DC 20005 • (202) 347-9388 • conservative.org

The American Conservative Union is taking our hightly touted Congressional Ratings program to State Legislatures for the second year in a row, grading members on their votes on key conservative issues. Last year, we graded State Legislators in the critical battleground states of Florida, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio and Virginia. This year, we are expanding our ratings to fifteen states.

ACU first began rating members of Congress in 1971. Since then, our ratings system has become the most important conservative measuring stick in American politics- the gold standard for voters seeking more information on their representatives’ records.

This expansion of our Conservative Ratings program is part of Chairman Al Cardenas’ vision for building on successful ACU initiatives and taking the fight for conservative principles to the state and local levels. This is part of the ACU five-year plan to bring our ratings to all fifty states- scoring every legislature in every state, every year.

Table of Contents ACU Presents 2011 State Legislative Ratings

2012

STATE LEGISLATIVE RATINGSGUIDE

GEORGIA

Historical Capitol Building, Atlanta, Georgia

ACU Board Members

A Letter From The Chairman

How We Selected the Votes

Conservative All-Stars

GA House Vote Descriptions

House Score

GA Senate Vote Descriptions

Senate Scores

2

3

4

4

7

9

15

17

GEORGIA 2012 STATE LEGISLATIVE RATINGS

22

Al Cardenas (Chairman)Thomas S. Winter (First Vice Chairman) Donald Devine (Second Vice Chairman) Becky Norton Dunlop (Treasurer)Jameson G. Campaigne, Jr. (Secretary)Joe BastJeffrey BellMorton C. Blackwell Ambassador John BoltonFloyd BrownMuriel ColemanDr. Larry Eastland Paul EricksonCarly FiorinaCharlie GerowAlan M. Gottlieb Van D. Hipp, Jr.

Asa HutchinsonDavid A. Keene Suhail A. KhanJames V. LacyMichael R. Long Honorable Serphin Maltese Carolyn D. Meadows Cleta Mitchell Joseph A. MorrisGrover G. NorquistRon RobinsonAllen RothMatt SchlappFred L. Smith, Jr.Lewis K. Uhler Kirby Wilbur

ACU Board Members

Cleta Mitchell (Chairman)Van D. Hipp, Jr. (Treasurer)Carolyn Meadows (Secretary)Al Cardenas

Millie HallowRobert LuddyThomas S. Winter

ACU Foundation Board Members

3


1331 H Street, NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20005 Tel: (202) 347-9388 Fax: (202) 347-9389www.conservative.org

July 10, 2012

Dear Fellow Conservatives:

On behalf of our Board of Directors, I am pleased to present the American Conservative Union’s 2012 State Legislative Ratings for members of the Georgia General Assembly.

Since 1971, our Congressional ratings have become the gold standard in holding every member of Con-gress accountable for their voting record on the most important issues facing our nation. Last year we brought that same commitment to conservative ideals to the states, by rating members in five legislatures. I am pleased to report that this year we will score 15 states. This is part of the ACU five-year plan to bring our ratings to all fifty states- scoring every legislature in every state, every year. 2012 is a critical election year in the life of our nation and it is important, now more than ever, that Americans have the information to elect true conservatives into office. Now approaching four years under the failed leadership of President Barack Obama, America needs decisive change to rein in reckless spend-ing, restore our standing in the international community and return to the traditional values that made our nation so great. The liberal policies of the Obama administration have energized a national grassroots conservative movement, bringing change to state and local governments nationwide. Because of this, our 2012 State Legislative Ratings are vital for voters to make informed choices on the future of our nation, especially in battleground states.

We are dedicated to supporting the efforts of courageous conservative leaders fighting for limited govern-ment, promoting prosperity and individual freedom, and defending traditional values. Standing by voters around the nation, ACU is leading the way to encourage and help the next generation of conservative lead-ers, beginning at the state level.

Thank you for your continued support. I know that together we can ensure America’s best days are still ahead.

Sincerely,

Al CardenasChairman, American Conservative Union

Al Cardenas, ACU Chairman

4

GEORGIA

2012

STATE LEGISLATIVE RATINGS GUIDE

How We Selected the VotesThe American Conservative Union is taking our hightly touted Congressional Ratings program to State Legislatures for the second year in a row, grading members on their votes on key conservative issues. Last year, we graded State Legislators in the critical battleground states of Florida, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio and Virginia. This year, we are expanding our ratings to fifteen states.

ACU first began rating members of Congress in 1971. Since then, our ratings system has become the most important conservative measuring stick in American politics- the gold standard for voters seeking more information on their representatives’ records.

This expansion of our Conservative Ratings program is part of Chairman Al Cardenas’ vision for building on success-ful ACU initiatives and taking the fight for conservative principles to the state and local levels. This is part of the ACU five-year plan to bring our ratings to all fifty states- scoring every legislature in every state, every year.

Conservative All-Stars of the Georgia General AssemblyDefenders of LibertyACU Defenders of Liberty are those members of the Georgia General Assembly who were present and cast a vote for each adjudicated roll call and scored 100 percent on the ACU 2012 State Legislative Ratings

John AlbersCharlie BethelMike CraneSteve Gooch

Bill HeathWilliam T. Ligon, Jr.Barry LoudermilkJeff Mullis

Jack MurphyChip RogersDavid ShaferLindsey Tippins

Renee S.Unterman

Georgia Senate

Georgia House of Representatives:

Stephen AllisonAlex AtwoodPaul BattlesTommy BentonEllis BlackBuzz BrockwayJon G. BurnsJohn CarsonAmy CarterDavid CasasMickey Channell

Mike CheokasJosh ClarkDoug CollinsKevin CookeChristian CoomerKatie M. DempseyRobert DickeyMike DudgeonDelvis DuttonTerry EnglandMark Hamilton

Bob HannerBuddy HardenMichael HardenBrett HarrellDustin HightowerCalvin HillDoug HoltBilly HornePenny HoustonRick JasperseJan Jones

Roger LaneEdward LindseyBilly MaddoxGene MaddoxJudy ManningHoward MaxwellJohn MeadowsGreg MorrisJay NealRandy NixLarry O’Neal

5


Amos AmersonLee AndersonPaulette BraddockCharlice ByrdValerie ClarkBrooks ColemanSharon CooperSteve DavisTom DicksonMatt DollarEmory DunahooEarl EhrhartBubber EppsHarry Geisinger

Rich GolickGerald E. GreeneBen HarbinMatt HatchettBill HembreeSusan HolmesMike JacobsSean JergusonTom KirbyDavid KnightChuck MartinTony McBrayerTom McCallDoug McKillip

Chad NimmerDon ParsonsAlan PowellJay PowellJimmy PruettAnn PurcellMatt RamseyLynne RileyEd RyndersMartin ScottEd SetzlerJason ShawRichard H. SmithTommy Smith

Kip SmithRon StephensJan TankersleyTom TaylorAndrew J. WelchTom WeldonJoe WilkinsonWendell WillardRoger WilliamsJohn P. Yates

ACU ConservativesACU Conservatives are those members of the Georgia General Assembly who scored 80 percent or higher on the ACU 2012 State Legislative Ratings.

Don BalfourJohn BullochBuddy CarterRonnie ChanceBill CowsertJohn Crosby

Frank GinnGreg GoggansTim GoldenJohnny GrantBill HamrickJack Hill

Judson HillBill JacksonRick JeffaresJoshua McKoonFrank MillarButch Miller

Cecil StatonJesse StoneRoss TollesonJohn WilkinsonTommie Williams

Georgia House of Representatives:

Georgia Senate:

B.J. PakButch ParrishAllen PeakeTom Rice

Jay RobertsCarl RogersTerry RogersDonna Sheldon

Barbara SimsLynn SmithWillie TaltonDarlene Taylor

Sam TeasleyBen WatsonChuck WilliamsBruce Williamson

Georgia House of Representatives (Continued)


6

True Liberals of the Peach StateTrue Liberals of the Sunshine State are those members of the Georgia General Assembly who scored 0 percent on the ACU 2012 State Legislative Ratings.

Georgia House of Representatives:Georgia Senate:

Roberta Abdul-SalaamStacey AbramsSharon Beasley-TeagueSimone BellJames BeverlyTyrone BrooksRoger BruceDee Dawkins- HaiglerHugh FloydVirgil Fludd

Gloria FrazierKeith HeardJoe HeckstallMichele HensonCarolyn HugleyLynmore JamesDarryl JordanDar’shun KendrickPedro MarinHoward Mosby

Yasmin NealSandra Scott Pam StephensonRashad TaylorKeisha WaitesDavid Wilkerson“Coach” Williams

Vincent FortLester JacksonDonzella JamesMiriam Paris

7

GEORGIA

2012


Georgia House Vote Descriptions1. HB 181 School Vouchers. This bill expands the use of school vouchers by exempting certain special needs

students from the requirement they attend public school for one year before being eligible for vouchers that can be used for private schools. ACU supports the use of school vouchers and supports this bill. The bill passed the Georgia House on March 29, 2012 by a vote of 115-51.

2. HB 347 Fiscal Responsibility. This bill allowed the state of Georgia to stop borrowing money to pay for unemployment insurance by reorganizing the program. It reduced the 26 weeks of guaranteed payment to a sliding scale of 14-20 weeks depending on the unemployment rate. At the same time it increased the amount taxed to make up for an employer exemption that had existed for a number of years. ACU supports this rea-sonable effort at fiscal responsibility and supports this bill. The bill passed the Georgia House on March 29, 2012 by a vote of 98-60.

3. HB 456 Streamlining Government. This bill would create a joint Senate/House advisory committee to rec-ommend efficiencies in government and the elimination of state agencies or programs. The recommendations would be subject to further legislative action. ACU supports these modest efforts to reduce the size of govern-ment and supports this bill. The bill passed the Georgia House on February 28, 2012 by a vote of 108-50.

4. HB 730 Project Labor Agreements. This bill bars the state and local governments from requiring vendors to use union labor to receive a contract and prohibits discrimination against vendors who do not use union labor. ACU supports these efforts to allow all qualified companies to compete for contracts and supports this bill. The bill passed the Georgia House on February 22, 2012 by a vote of 104-64.

5. HB 861 Welfare Requirements. This bill requires welfare recipients under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program to undergo drug tests to be eligible. An exemption is provided for those with mental or developmental disabilities. ACU supports these reasonable requirements for welfare programs and supports this bill. The bill passed the Georgia House on March 7, 2012 by a vote of 114-59.

6. HB 954 Limiting Abortions. This bill reduces the ability to have an abortion from 26 weeks into the preg-nancy to 20 weeks. Exemptions are provided for the life of the mother and if the pregnancy is determined to be medically futile. ACU supports this effort to reduce abortions and supports this bill. The bill passed the Georgia House on March 29, 2012 by a vote of 106-59.

7. HR 1162 Charter Schools. This resolution places a constitutional amendment on the ballot in November, 2012 that permits state authorization of Charter Schools in Georgia. ACU supports this expansion of paren-tal choice and supports this amendment. The resolution passed the Georgia House on February 22, 2012 by a vote of 123-48.


8

8. SB 350 Firearm and Vehicle Forfeiture. This bill allows the owner of a vehicle or firearm used in the com-mission of a crime without the owner’s consent to have the property returned rather than confiscated by the government. ACU supports this property right and supports this bill. The bill passed the Georgia House on March 29, 2012 by a vote of 115-54.

9. SB 428 Government Accountability. This bill requires each state agency to prepare an annual report that details those federal mandates that require the agency issue new rules without legislative approval. The report would also outline state and federal regulatory duplication. ACU supports this effort to increase government transparency and public awareness of the burden of federal regulation. The bill passed the Georgia House on March 27, 2012 by a vote of 119-38.

10. SB 432 Knife rights. This bill prevents local governments in Georgia from passing laws more restrictive than the state banning the sale, manufacture, possession or transfer of a knife. ACU supports this protection of individual rights and supports this bill. The bill passed the Georgia House on March 29, 2012 by a vote of 124-46.

9

GEORGIA 2012 STATE LEGISLATIVE RATINGSG

EORG

IA 2

012

HO

USE

VO

TES

Bill

HB 1

81HB

347

HB 4

56HB

730

HB 8

61HB

954

HB 1

162

SB 3

50SB

428

SB 4

32+

/tota

lAC

U %

Nam

eDi

stric

tPa

rty

Abdu

l-Sal

aam

74D

-0

-E

-0

--

--

0/7

0%

Abra

ms

84D

--

--

--

--

--

0/10

0%

ALLI

SON

8R

++

++

++

++

++

10/1

010

0%

AMER

SON

9R

EE

++

+E

++

++

7/7

100%

ANDE

RSON

117

RE

E+

++

E+

E+

E5/

510

0%

Ashe

56D

--

--

--

+-

--

1/10

10%

ATW

OOD

179

R+

++

++

++

++

+10

/10

100%

Bake

r78

D+

+0

--

--

-+

+4/

944

%

BATT

LES

15R

++

++

++

++

++

10/1

010

0%

Beas

ley-

Teag

ue65

D-

--

--

--

-E

-0/

90%

Bell

58D

--

--

--

--

--

0/10

0%

Benfi

eld

85D

+-

--

--

--

--

1/10

10%

BENT

ON31

R+

++

++

++

++

+10

/10

100%

Beve

rly13

9D

--

--

--

--

0-

0/9

0%

BLAC

K17

4R

++

++

++

++

++

10/1

010

0%

BRAD

DOCK

19R

+-

++

++

++

++

9/10

90%

BROC

KWAY

101

R+

++

++

++

++

+10

/10

100%

Broo

ks63

D-

--

--

--

--

-0/

100%

Bruc

e64

D-

--

-E

-0

--

-0/

80%

Brya

nt16

0D

--

+-

--

+-

++

4/10

40%

Buck

ner

130

D-

--

--

--

+-

-1/

1010

%

BURN

S15

7R

++

++

++

++

++

10/1

010

0%

BYRD

20R

+-

++

++

++

++

9/10

90%

CARS

ON43

R+

++

++

++

++

+10

/10

100%

CART

ER17

5R

++

++

++

++

++

10/1

010

0%

CASA

S10

3R

++

++

++

++

++

10/1

010

0%

CHAN

NELL

116

R+

++

++

++

++

+10

/10

100%

CHEO

KAS

134

R+

++

++

++

++

+10

/10

100%

CLAR

K, V.

10

4R

0+

++

++

++

++

9/9

100%

CLAR

K, J.

98R

++

++

++

++

++

10/1

010

0%

COLE

MAN

97R

++

++

++

++

+-

9/10

90%

COLL

INS

27R

++

++

++

++

++

10/1

010

0%

0=Ab

sent

; X =

Did

not v

ote.;

E=

Exc

used

Abs

ence

; NR=

Not R

ated

Due

to M

issin

g Vot

es


10

Bill

HB 1

81HB

347

HB 4

56HB

730

HB 8

61HB

954

HB 1

162

SB 3

50SB

428

SB 4

32+

/tota

lAC

U %

Nam

eDi

stric

tPa

rty

COOK

E18

R+

++

++

++

++

+10

/10

100%

COOM

ER14

R+

++

++

++

++

+10

/10

100%

COOP

ER41

R+

++

++

++

0+

+9/

910

0%

Craw

ford

16D

--

+-

++

-+

++

6/10

60%

DAVI

S10

9R

+0

++

++

++

++

9/9

100%

Dawk

ins-

Hai

gler

93D

--

0-

--

00

--

0/7

0%

DEM

PSEY

13R

++

++

++

++

++

10/1

010

0%

Dick

erso

n95

D-

-+

--

--

-+

-2/

1020

%

DICK

EY13

6R

++

++

++

++

++

10/1

010

0%

DICK

SON

6R

++

E+

++

++

++

9/9

100%

Dobb

s53

D-

-0

--

-+

--

+2/

922

%

DOLL

AR4

R+

++

++

++

++

09/

910

0%

Dren

ner

86D

--

--

--

+-

--

1/10

10%

DUDG

EON

24R

++

++

++

++

++

10/1

010

0%

Duke

s15

0D

-0

0-

--

--

-+

1/8

13%

DUNA

HOO

25R

++

+E

++

++

++

9/9

100%

DUTT

ON16

6R

++

++

++

++

++

10/1

010

0%

EHRH

ART

36R

0+

0+

++

++

++

8/8

100%

ENGL

AND

108

R+

++

++

++

++

+10

/10

100%

Epps

, C.

128

D-

--

--

0-

--

+1/

911

%

EPPS

, B.

140

R+

++

0+

++

++

+9/

910

0%

Evan

s40

D+

--

-E

-+

++

+5/

956

%

Floy

d99

D-

--

--

--

-0

-0/

90%

Flud

d66

D-

--

--

-0

--

-0/

90%

Fraz

ier

123

D-

--

--

--

-0

-0/

90%

Fulle

rton

151

D-

-E

--

-+

--

+2/

922

%

Gard

ner

57D

--

--

--

--

-+

1/10

10%

GEIS

INGE

R48

R+

++

++

-+

++

+9/

1090

%

GOLI

CK34

R+

++

++

++

+E

+9/

910

0%

Gord

on16

2D

--

--

--

-+

+-

2/10

20%

GREE

NE14

9R

+0

+-

0+

++

++

7/8

88%

HAM

ILTO

N23

R+

++

++

++

++

+10

/10

100%

GEO

RGIA

201

2 H

OU

SE V

OTE

S

0=Ab

sent

; X =

Did

not v

ote.;

E=

Exc

used

Abs

ence

; NR=

Not R

ated

Due

to M

issin

g Vot

es

11


Bill

HB 1

81HB

347

HB 4

56HB

730

HB 8

61HB

954

HB 1

162

SB 3

50SB

428

SB 4

32+

/tota

lAC

U %

Nam

eDi

stric

tPa

rty

HANN

ER14

8R

++

++

++

++

++

10/1

010

0%

HARB

IN11

8R

++

++

++

-+

++

9/10

90%

HARD

EN, B

147

R+

++

++

++

++

+10

/10

100%

Hard

en, M

28r

++

++

++

++

++

10/1

010

0%

HARR

ELL

106

R+

++

++

++

++

+10

/10

100%

HATC

HETT

143

R+

+-

++

++

++

+9/

1090

%

HATF

IELD

177

R-

-+

++

+-

++

+7/

1070

%

Hear

d11

4D

--

--

--

--

--

0/10

0%

Heck

stal

l62

D-

--

E-

-E

-E

-0/

70%

HEM

BREE

67R

++

++

++

+0

+0

8/8

100%

Hens

on87

D0

--

--

--

-E

-0/

80%

HIGH

TOW

ER68

R+

++

++

++

++

+10

/10

100%

HILL

21R

++

++

++

++

++

10/1

010

0%

Holc

omb

82D

--

--

--

++

--

2/10

20%

HOLM

ES12

5R

++

++

++

-+

++

9/10

90%

HOLT

112

R+

++

++

++

++

+10

/10

100%

HORN

E71

R+

++

++

++

++

+10

/10

100%

HOUS

TON

170

R+

++

++

++

++

+10

/10

100%

Howa

rd12

1D

--

+-

--

--

--

1/10

10%

Huds

on12

4D

+0

E-

-0

++

0+

4/6

67%

Hugl

ey13

3D

--

--

--

--

--

0/10

0%

Jack

son

142

D+

--

++

0-

-+

-4/

944

%

JACO

BS80

R+

++

++

-+

++

+9/

1090

%

Jam

es13

5D

EE

--

-E

-E

EE

0/4

0%

JASP

ERSE

12R

++

++

++

++

++

10/1

010

0%

JERG

USON

22R

+-

0+

++

+0

0+

6/7

86%

John

son

37D

+-

E-

-0

--

--

1/8

13%

Jone

s, S.

44

D-

--

--

-+

-0

-1/

911

%

JONE

S, J.

46

R+

0+

++

++

0+

07/

710

0%

Jord

an77

D-

0-

--

0-

--

-0/

80%

Kais

er59

D0

--

--

-+

-0

+2/

825

%

Kend

rick

94D

--

--

--

--

--

0/10

0%

GEO

RGIA

201

2 H

OU

SE V

OTE

S

0=Ab

sent

; X =

Did

not v

ote.;

E=

Exc

used

Abs

ence

; NR=

Not R

ated

Due

to M

issin

g Vot

es


12

Bill

HB 1

81HB

347

HB 4

56HB

730

HB 8

61HB

954

HB 1

162

SB 3

50SB

428

SB 4

32+

/tota

lAC

U %

Nam

eDi

stric

tPa

rty

Kidd

141

I+

E+

--

E+

++

+6/

875

%

KIRB

Y10

7R

++

VACA

NTVA

CANT

VACA

NT+

VACA

NT+

++

6/6

100%

KNIG

HT12

6R

+0

++

++

++

++

9/9

100%

LANE

167

R+

++

++

++

++

+10

/10

100%

LIND

SEY

54R

++

++

++

++

++

10/1

010

0%

Long

61

D0

-E

--

-+

-0

-1/

714

%

MAD

DOX,

B.

127

R+

++

++

++

++

+10

/10

100%

MAD

DOX,

G.

172

R+

++

++

++

++

+10

/10

100%

MAN

NING

32R

++

++

++

++

++

10/1

010

0%

Mar

in96

D-

--

--

--

--

-0/

100%

MAR

TIN

47R

++

+E

++

++

++

9/9

100%

MAX

WEL

L17

R+

++

++

++

++

+10

/10

100%

May

o91

D-

--

--

-+

--

-1/

1010

%

MCB

RAYE

R15

3R

++

++

++

+0

++

9/9

100%

MCC

ALL

30R

+0

++

++

++

++

9/9

100%

MCK

ILLI

P11

5R

++

+-

++

++

0+

8/9

89%

MEA

DOW

S5

R+

++

++

++

++

+10

/10

100%

Mitc

hell

88D

--

--

--

+-

+-

2/10

20%

Mor

gan

39D

+-

0-

--

+-

0+

3/8

38%

MOR

RIS

155

RE

++

++

++

E+

E7/

710

0%

Mos

by90

D-

--

--

--

--

-0/

100%

Mur

phy

120

D-

--

--

--

--

+1/

1010

%

NEAL

, J1

R+

++

+E

++

+0

+8/

810

0%

Neal

, Y75

D-

--

--

--

-0

-0/

90%

NIM

MER

178

R+

++

++

+-

++

+9/

1090

%

NIX

69R

++

++

++

++

++

10/1

010

0%

O'NE

AL14

6R

++

++

++

++

++

10/1

010

0%

Oliv

er83

D-

--

--

-+

--

+2/

1020

%

PAK

102

R+

++

++

++

++

+10

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100%

Pare

nt81

D+

--

--

-+

--

-2/

1020

%

PARR

ISH

156

R+

++

++

++

++

+10

/10

100%

PARS

ONS

42R

++

++

+-

++

++

9/10

90%

GEO

RGIA

201

2 H

OU

SE V

OTE

S

0=Ab

sent

; X =

Did

not v

ote.;

E=

Exc

used

Abs

ence

; NR=

Not R

ated

Due

to M

issin

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13


Bill

HB 1

81HB

347

HB 4

56HB

730

HB 8

61HB

954

HB 1

162

SB 3

50SB

428

SB 4

32+

/tota

lAC

U %

Nam

eDi

stric

tPa

rty

PEAK

E13

7R

++

++

++

++

++

10/1

010

0%

POW

ELL,

J.17

1R

++

-+

++

++

++

9/10

90%

POW

ELL,

A.

29R

+0

++

++

++

++

9/9

100%

PRUE

TT14

4R

++

++

+0

++

++

9/9

100%

PURC

ELL

159

R+

++

0+

++

+0

+8/

810

0%

RALS

TON

7R

00

00

00

00

00

0/0

-

RAM

SEY

72R

++

++

++

++

+0

9/9

100%

Rand

all

138

D-

+0

--

--

--

-1/

911

%

Reec

e11

D-

--

-+

+-

++

+5/

1050

%

RICE

51R

++

++

++

++

++

10/1

010

0%

RILE

Y50

R+

0+

++

++

++

+9/

910

0%

ROBE

RTS

154

R+

++

++

++

++

+10

/10

100%

ROGE

RS, T

.10

R+

++

++

++

++

+10

/10

100%

ROGE

RS, C

. 26

R+

++

++

++

++

+10

/10

100%

RYND

ERS

152

R0

0+

++

++

++

+8/

810

0%

SCOT

T, M

.2

R0

+E

EE

++

+E

+5/

510

0%

Scot

t, S.

76

D-

--

--

--

--

-0/

100%

SETZ

LER

35R

E+

++

++

++

E+

8/8

100%

SHAW

176

R+

++

++

+-

++

+9/

1090

%

SHEL

DON

105

R+

++

++

++

++

+10

/10

100%

SIM

S, B

.11

9R

++

++

++

++

++

10/1

010

0%

SIM

S, C

. 16

9R

++

--

+0

++

0+

6/8

75%

Smith

, E.

122

D-

--

--

--

-+

-1/

1010

%

SMIT

H, K

.12

9R

++

++

++

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++

9/10

90%

SMIT

H, R

. 13

1R

E+

++

++

++

++

9/9

100%

SMIT

H, T.

168

R+

++

0+

++

+E

+8/

810

0%

SMIT

H, L

.70

R+

++

++

++

++

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100%

Smyr

e13

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+0

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--

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--

1/8

13%

SPEN

CER

180

R-

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++

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+7/

1070

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Step

hens

, M.

161

D-

--

--

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STEP

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, R.

164

R+

++

++

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++

+8/

810

0%

Step

hens

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D-

--

--

--

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100%

GEO

RGIA

201

2 H

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S

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; X =

Did

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E=

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es


14

Bill

HB 1

81HB

347

HB 4

56HB

730

HB 8

61HB

954

HB 1

162

SB 3

50SB

428

SB 4

32+

/tota

lAC

U %

Nam

eDi

stric

tPa

rty

TALT

ON14

5R

++

++

++

++

++

10/1

010

0%

TANK

ERSL

EY15

8R

++

E+

++

++

++

9/9

100%

TAYL

OR, D

.17

3R

++

++

++

++

++

10/1

010

0%

Tayl

or, R

.55

D-

--

--

--

--

-0/

100%

TAYL

OR, T

.79

R+

0+

++

-+

++

+8/

989

%

TEAS

LEY

38R

++

++

++

++

++

10/1

010

0%

Thom

as, B

.10

0D

--

--

--

+-

-+

2/10

20%

Wai

tes

60D

--

--

--

0-

--

0/9

0%

WAT

SON

163

R+

++

++

++

++

+10

/10

100%

WEL

CH11

0R

+0

++

++

0+

++

8/8

100%

WEL

DON

3R

+0

00

++

+0

+0

5/5

100%

Wilk

erso

n33

D-

--

--

--

--

-0/

100%

WIL

KINS

ON52

R+

+E

E+

-+

++

+7/

888

%

WIL

LARD

49R

++

++

++

++

+0

9/9

100%

WIL

LIAM

S, C

.11

3R

++

++

++

++

++

10/1

010

0%

Will

iam

s, A.

16

5D

+-

E-

--

--

++

3/9

33%

WIL

LIAM

S, R

.4

R+

E+

++

E+

-+

+7/

888

%

Will

iam

s, "C

oach

"89

D-

--

--

--

--

-0/

100%

WIL

LIAM

SON

111

R+

++

++

++

++

+10

/10

100%

YATE

S73

R+

+0

++

++

++

+9/

910

0%

GEO

RGIA

201

2 H

OU

SE V

OTE

S

0=Ab

sent

; X =

Did

not v

ote.;

E=

Exc

used

Abs

ence

; NR=

Not R

ated

Due

to M

issin

g Vot

es

15

GEORGIA

2012


Georgia Senate Vote Descriptions1. HB 181 School Vouchers. This bill expands the use of school vouchers by exempting certain special needs

students from the requirement they attend public school for one year before being eligible for vouchers that can be used for private schools. ACU supports the use of school vouchers and supports this bill. The bill passed the Georgia Senate on March 22, 2012 by a vote of 34-16.

2. HB 347 Fiscal Responsibility. This bill allowed the state of Georgia to stop borrowing money to pay for unemployment insurance by reorganizing the program. It reduced the 26 weeks of guaranteed payment to a sliding scale of 14-20 weeks depending on the unemployment rate. At the same time it increased the amount taxed to make up for an employer exemption that had existed for a number of years. ACU supports this rea-sonable effort at fiscal responsibility and supports this bill. The bill passed the Georgia Senate on March 29, 2012 by a vote of 37-17. The bill passed the Georgia House on March 29, 2012 by a vote of 98-60.

3. HB 861 Welfare Requirements. This bill requires welfare recipients under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program to undergo drug tests to be eligible. An exemption is provided for those with mental or developmental disabilities. ACU supports these reasonable requirements for welfare programs and supports this bill. The bill passed the Georgia Senate on March 27, 2012 by a vote of 36-15. This bill passed the Georgia House on March 7, 2012 by a 114-59 vote, and was signed by the Governor.

4. HB 954 Limiting Abortions. This bill reduces the ability to have an abortion from 26 weeks into the preg-nancy to 20 weeks. Exemptions are provided for the life of the mother and if the pregnancy is determined to be medically futile. ACU supports this effort to reduce abortions and supports this bill. The bill passed the Georgia Senate on March 29, 2012 by a vote of 36-19.

5. HR 1162 Charter Schools. This resolution places a constitutional amendment on the ballot in November, 2012 that permits state authorization of Charter Schools in Georgia. ACU supports this expansion of paren-tal choice and supports this amendment. The resolution passed the Georgia Senate on March 19, 2012 by a vote of 40-16.

6. SB 223 Streamlining Government. This bill would create a joint Senate/House advisory committee to rec-ommend efficiencies in government and the elimination of state agencies or programs. The recommendations would be subject to further legislative action. ACU supports these modest efforts to reduce the size of govern-ment and supports this bill. The bill passed the Georgia Senate on January 30, 2012 by a vote of 37-12.

7. SB 305 Fee Increase. This bill increases the Georgia Lemon Law Fee from $3 to $5. Although modest in size, the bill’s increased revenues went into the General Fund and at the time of the vote there was no indica-tion how much more money the Lemon Law administration would receive or why it was needed. ACU op-poses needless fee increases and opposes this bill. The bill passed the Georgia Senate on February 2, 2012 by a vote of 30-19.


16

8. SB 429 Regulatory Impact. This bill requires legislative bills that would have a significant fiscal impact on private employers to have a fiscal note and be introduced by the 20th day of the legislative session. ACU supports these efforts at government transparency and supports this bill. The bill passed the Georgia Senate on February 29, 2012 by a vote of 39-13.

9. SB 432 Knife Rights. This bill prevents local governments in Georgia from passing laws more restrictive than the state in banning the sale, manufacture, possession or transfer of a knife. ACU supports this protection of individual rights and supports this bill. The bill passed the Georgia Senate on March 7, 2012 by a vote of 41-12.

10. SB 438 Taxpayer Funding of Abortion. This bill bars the State health plans for employees and teachers from covering abortion services with a life of the mother exception. ACU opposes taxpayer funding of abortion and supports this bill. The bill passed the Georgia Senate on March 7, 2012 by a vote of 33-18.

11. SB 460 Religious Freedom. This bill provides an exception for religious institutions from the requirement that every health benefit policy in the state provide coverage for contraceptives. ACU supports this protec-tion for religious freedom and supports this bill. The bill passed the Georgia Senate on March 7, 2012 by a vote of 38-15.

12. SB 471 Health Insurance Competition. This bill directs the Georgia Insurance Commissioner to help create an interstate market for health insurance through a multistate compact and a new alternative approval process for the current system. ACU supports efforts to encourage free market competition to bring down the cost of health insurance and supports this bill. The bill passed the Georgia senate on March 7, 2012 by a vote of 36-16.

13. SB 493 Second Amendment Rights. An amendment to SB 493, Amendment #2 would have created a new crime of “carrying a firearm while intoxicated.” It would have been a misdemeanor to carry a firearm up to three hours before a person was found to have an alcohol concentration of at least .08 grams. ACU opposes this ill considered and illogical attempt to intimidate firearm owners. The amendment failed in the Colorado Senate on March 7, 2012 by a vote of 18-35.

17

GEORGIA 2012 STATE LEGISLATIVE RATINGSG

EORG

IA 2

012

SEN

ATE

VO

TES

Bill

H.B.

181

H.B.

347

H.B.

861

H.B.

954

H.R.

116

2S.

B. 2

23S.

B. 3

05S.

B. 4

29S.

B. 4

32S.

B. 4

38S.

B. 4

60S.

B. 4

71S.

B. 4

93

Amen

dmen

t #2

+/to

tal

ACU

%

Nam

eDi

stric

tPa

rty

ALBE

RS56

R+

++

++

++

++

++

++

13/1

310

0%

BALF

OUR

9R

++

++

+E

-+

++

++

+11

/12

92%

BETH

EL54

R+

++

++

++

++

++

++

13/1

310

0%

BULL

OCH

11R

++

++

++

-+

+E

0+

+10

/11

91%

Butle

r55

D-

--

--

-+

+-

--

--

2/13

15%

CART

ER, B

.1

R+

++

++

+-

++

++

++

12/1

392

%

Carte

r42

D+

00

--

++

++

--

0-

5/10

50%

CHAN

CE16

R+

++

++

--

++

++

++

11/1

385

%

COW

SERT

46R

++

++

++

--

++

++

+11

/13

85%

CRAN

E28

R+

++

++

++

++

++

++

13/1

310

0%

CROS

BY13

R+

++

++

+-

++

++

++

12/1

392

%

Dave

npor

t44

D-

--

--

-+

--

--

--

1/13

8%

Davi

s22

D0

--

0+

0-

++

0-

0-

3/8

38%

Fort

39D

--

--

--

--

-0

0-

-0/

110%

GINN

47R

++

++

+E

-+

++

++

+11

/12

92%

GOGG

ANS

7R

++

++

++

-0

++

++

-10

/12

83%

GOLD

EN8

R0

++

++

+-

++

++

++

11/1

292

%

GOOC

H51

R+

++

++

++

++

++

++

13/1

310

0%

GRAN

T25

R+

++

++

+-

-+

0+

++

10/1

283

%

HAM

RICK

30R

++

++

+E

-+

++

++

+11

/12

92%

Harb

ison

15D

E-

E-

-+

E+

0-

+-

03/

838

%

HEAT

H31

R+

++

++

++

++

++

++

13/1

310

0%

Hens

on41

D-

--

--

-+

+-

--

--

2/13

15%

HILL

, Jud

son

32R

E+

++

++

++

++

++

+12

/12

100%

HILL

, Jac

k4

R+

++

++

+-

++

++

++

12/1

392

%

Hook

s14

D-

+-

-+

+-

+0

-+

00

5/10

50%

JACK

SON,

B.

24R

++

++

+-

-+

++

++

+11

/13

85%

Jack

son,

L.

2D

--

--

-E

--

--

--

-0/

120%

Jam

es35

D-

--

--

--

--

--

--

0/13

0%

JEFF

ARES

17R

++

++

++

-+

++

++

+12

/13

92%

0=Ab

sent

; X =

Did

not v

ote.;

E=

Exc

used

Abs

ence

; NR=

Not R

ated

Due

to M

issin

g Vot

es


18

Bill

H.B.

181

H.B.

347

H.B.

861

H.B.

954

H.R.

116

2S.

B. 2

23S.

B. 3

05S.

B. 4

29S.

B. 4

32S.

B. 4

38S.

B. 4

60S.

B. 4

71S.

B. 4

93

Amen

dmen

t #2

+/to

tal

ACU

%

Nam

eDi

stric

tPa

rty

Jone

s10

D-

--

--

+-

--

--

--

1/13

8%

LIGO

N, JR

.3

R+

++

++

++

++

++

++

13/1

310

0%

LOUD

ERM

ILK

52R

++

++

++

++

++

++

+13

/13

100%

MCK

OON

29R

++

++

++

-+

++

++

+12

/13

92%

MIL

LAR

40R

++

++

++

-+

+-

++

+11

/13

85%

MIL

LER

49R

-+

++

++

-+

++

++

+11

/13

85%

MUL

LIS

53R

++

++

+E

E+

++

++

+11

/11

100%

MUR

PHY

27R

++

++

++

E+

++

++

+12

/12

100%

Orro

ck36

D-

0-

--

-+

--

--

--

1/12

8%

Paris

26D

--

--

--

0-

--

--

-0/

120%

Ram

sey,

Sr.

43D

--

E-

-0

+E

EE

EE

E1/

520

%

ROGE

RS21

R+

++

++

+0

++

++

++

12/1

210

0%

Seay

34D

--

--

--

--

+-

--

-1/

138%

SHAF

ER48

R+

++

++

++

++

++

++

13/1

310

0%

Sim

s12

D-

-0

--

+-

0-

--

--

1/11

9%

STAT

ON18

R+

++

++

++

-+

++

++

12/1

392

%

STON

E23

R+

++

++

+-

++

++

++

12/1

392

%

Ston

er6

DE

--

--

+E

+-

--

--

2/11

18%

Tate

38D

E-

E-

--

+-

--

--

-1/

119%

Thom

pson

, S.

33D

--

--

+-

+-

+-

+-

-4/

1331

%

Thom

pson

, C.

5D

+-

--

++

-0

+-

--

-4/

1233

%

TIPP

INS

37R

++

++

++

0+

++

++

+12

/12

100%

TOLL

ESON

20R

++

++

++

-+

++

++

+12

/13

92%

UNTE

RMAN

45R

++

++

++

++

++

++

+13

/13

100%

WIL

KINS

ON50

R-

++

++

+-

++

++

++

11/1

385

%

WIL

LIAM

S19

R+

++

++

+-

++

++

++

12/1

392

%

GEO

RGIA

201

2 S

ENA

TE V

OTE

S

0=Ab

sent

; X =

Did

not v

ote.;

E=

Exc

used

Abs

ence

; NR=

Not R

ated

Due

to M

issin

g Vot

es

JOHN BARRASSO

REGISTER ONLINE: conservative.org

INVITED SPEAKERS INCLUDE:

NAME:

ADDRESS:

CITY: ST: ZIP:

EMAIL: *CELL PHONE:

PAY BY CREDIT CARD:

CARD # EXP. SEC. CODE

NAME ON CARD: SIGNATURE:

GENERAL REGISTRATION - $50 ($75 onsite)

YES! I WANT TO ATTEND THE CPAC COLORADO CONFERENCE. ENCLOSED IS MY REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT:

MAKE CHECK PAYABLE & MAIL TO:

CPAC COLORADO1331 H Street, NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20005(202) 347-9388

Valid Student ID Required at Check In

STUDENT REGISTRATION - $25 ($35 onsite)

Includes VIP ticket with priority seating, VIP reception and VIP express check-in.

VIP - $200

*For non-ACU members, ticket purchase(s) will include a one year complimentary ACU membership.

REGISTRATION OPTIONS:

MICHAEL MEDVED

JOHN MCCAIN

Online at conservative.org or mail form below

a project of

a project of

PEGGY NOONAN

JAN BREWER

HUGH HEWITT RAÚL LABRADOR

KEVIN MCCARTHY

DENNY REHBERG

GLENN BECK

MOBILIZING THE MOUNTAIN WEST

MITT ROMNEYSARAH PALIN

MICHELLE MALKINDOUG LAMBORN

The American Conservative Union is proud to present CPAC Colorado, held on Thursday, October 4, 2012 at 9:00 a.m. at the Crowne Plaza Denver International Airport. CPAC Colorado takes the fight for the future of America directly to an important battleground state, and the site of the broken promises made to the American people in Denver the night President Obama accepted his party’s nomination in 2008. Denver will also be the site of the first Presidential debate, where -- the night before CPAC Colorado—the President’s failed leadership will be on full display.

CPAC Colorado will bring national and regional conservative lead-ers and grassroots activists together for a full day of blockbuster speeches, grassroots activist training and network opportunities – all celebrating our founding principles of limited government, a strong national defense and traditional values.

VENUE:

REGISTER:

Crowne Plaza Denver International Airport, 15500 E. 40th Avenue, Denver CO 80239Discounted Room Rate: $129/night

AL CARDENAS

The American Conservative Union

The American Conservative Union (ACU) is America’s oldest and largest grassroots conservative organization.

Founded in 1964, ACU represents the views of Americans who are concerned with economic growth through lower taxes and reduced government spending and the issues of liberty, personal responsibility, traditional values, and national security.

As America’s conservative voice, ACU is the leading entity in providing conservative positions on issues to Congress, White House Administration Officials, State Governments, the media, political candidates and the public.

The ACU’s marquee initiatives include the annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) and the annual Ratings of Congress guide.

Under the leadership of ACU Chairman Al Cardenas, the organization remains the standard bearer of conservatism in America. Chairman Cardenas is dedicated to growing the national conservative movement through the expansion of ACU programs, unprecedented outreach and advocacy – especially to young, emerging activists – and an extended reach into local and state issues. Among these inaugural efforts are the expansion of conservative rating to State Legislatures and a first-ever series of regional CPAC’s in states across the country, building on the legacy of the annual national CPAC event in our Nation’s Capital.

For more information on the American Conservative Union, please visit our website at www.conservative.org.

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