Vick Leads Senate In IFF Score

The Idaho Freedom Foundation’s report on the 2013 Legislature says 64 of 105 Idaho lawmakers, including House Speaker Scott Bedke and Senate President Pro Tem Brent Hill, “favored expansion of government or statism” based on an analysis of 149 votes. The 148-page “Freedom Index Report” says just 41 lawmakers had voting records “favoring economic freedom.” Of the 105 Gem State lawmakers, 85 are Republicans, 20 are Democrats. The Freedom Foundation, a tax-exempt group funded by undisclosed contributions, made defeating Gov. Butch Otter’s state-run health insurance exchange its top priority and rewarded and punished lawmakers accordingly. Votes were given widely different weighting in the scorecard. The top House score went to Rep. Steven Harris, R-Meridian, who earned a plus 142. The top Senate score belongs to Sen. Steve Vick, R-Dalton Gardens, at plus 137/ Dan Popkey , Idaho Statesman. More here.

Question: The Idaho Freedom Foundation index says ‘statists’ (those who favor government expansion) 64 to 41. Do you consider the Idaho Legislature to be one that favors government expansion?