Washington, D.C. – The Council for Citizens Against Government Waste (CCAGW) today honored members of the Arizona congressional delegation who scored an 80 percent or higher on its 2005 Congressional Ratings.  These “Taxpayer Heroes” were Sen. John McCain (91 percent), Rep. Jeff Flake (94 percent), Rep. Trent Franks (91 percent), Rep. J.D. Hayworth (82 percent), and Rep. John Shadegg (94 percent).  Sen. Jon Kyl was the only senator to score a perfect 100 percent, earning “Taxpayer Super Hero” status.   The Arizona delegation’s average of 72 percent was the third-highest in the nation. 

Since 1989, CCAGW has tracked roll call votes to separate the taxpayer advocates in Congress from those who favor wasteful programs and pork-barrel spending.  The 2005 Congressional Ratings cover the voting year 2005, the first session of the 109^th Congress.  CCAGW rated 34 key votes in the House and 24 votes in the Senate. 

CCAGW President Tom Schatz said the following:

“Talk is cheap.  The voting record is the best indicator of a member’s commitment to fiscal discipline.  Arizona voters continue to elect leaders that oppose the expansion of a cumbersome, bloated federal government.

Taxpayer Heroes and Super Heroes think beyond the next election.  They recognize the long-term consequences of excessive spending and work to reduce the enormous debt being left to future generations.    

No matter how wasteful or ineffective it might be, every government program has a constituency that lobbies Congress for more funding.  Congress must put the national interest ahead of special interests.  Thanks to fiscal conservatives like those from the Arizona delegation, taxpayers have a fighting chance and will continue to score victories.”

CCAGW’s website features the complete 2005 Congressional Ratings, including vote descriptions, scorecards for the House and Senate, personalized scorecards for each member of Congress, historical comparisons, and averages by chamber, party, and state delegation.  Visit www.cagw.org. 

The Council for Citizens Against Government Waste is the lobbying arm of Citizens Against Government Waste, the nation’s largest nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement in government.