Risch ‘most conservative’, Cantwell on liberal list

WASHINGTON — Idaho Republican Jim Risch is the Senate’s most conservative member and Washington Democrat Maria Cantwell is tied for its fifth most liberal.

So says the National Journal in its annual ranking of the chamber’s most conservative and liberal.

Risch is making his third appearance atop the most conservative list , which this year has seatmate Mike Crapo at No. 10. This is the first time Cantwell cracked the top 10 of the most liberal list . He is all alone at the top, while she’s in a seven-way tie for the fifth spot .

Risch issued a statement Thursday touting his placement: “To earn the distinction of ‘Most Conservative’ is a reflection of the wishes of the people of Idaho and their commitment to strong constitutional values.”