Simpson voting record lauded by conservative group
Though 2nd District Rep. Mike Simpson is being challenged by two candidates in the GOP primary who maintain they're more conservative than he is, Simpson was recognized by the American Conservative Union for his voting record in a ceremony last week. ACU Chairman David Keene said, “We know that ACU Members and the voters in this nation will look to these ratings as an indication of who stands on the side of liberty, prosperity and American greatness and who does not.” The organization ranked senators and House members on two dozen selected votes and lauded those whose votes matched its positions; the topics ranged from health care to financial regulation to abortion. Simpson received an 84 percent rating from the group for his 2009 votes; Rep. Walt Minnick received a 44 percent rating; Sen. Mike Crapo, 92 percent; and Sen. Jim Risch, 96 percent.