IFF officials defend ‘Freedom Index’

In the Idaho Statesman, Idaho Freedom Foundation officials Fred Birnbaum and Lindsay Russell Dexter defend the organization’s controversial Freedom Index from criticism by Richard Larsen that the index is just a bullying tactic:

Richard Larsen’s commentary on the Idaho Freedom Foundation’s Freedom Index is another attempt to protect liberal (mostly Republican) politicians from accountability. By criticizing IFF’s Freedom Index, Larsen hopes to protect legislators who grow government, raise taxes and impose new regulations — while claiming they’re conservatives. Let’s set the record straight. The Freedom Index reviews legislation using a consistent set of conservative criteria. Bills are reviewed as to whether they raises taxes or fees, impose a new regulation or restrict the free market. Legislation is reviewed for being consistent with the state and federal constitutions. Those are values many politicians claim to support, but abandon. They caved to special interests willing to write campaign checks. More here.