2004 National Security Scorecard

JOHN KERRY RATES A "ZERO," JOHN EDWARDS A "23"

(Washington, D.C.): The Center for Security Policy released today its instructive sixth edition of the National Security Scorecard – covering the 108th Congress (assessing votes conducted up to September 15, 2004) – that is designed to illuminate the voting records of members of the United States Senate and House of Representatives on important defense and foreign policy issues. The Scorecard considers 12 House and 18 Senate votes.

In producing the National Security Scorecard, the Center hopes to assist the American people in understanding the commitment of their elected officials to the time-tested philosophy of promoting international peace through American strength, and to encourage greater accountability on the part of Senators and Members of Congress for their adherence to this principle.

Confronted by enemies bent on nothing short of Western civilization’s destruction, the Free World turns to America for leadership in developing the policies that will ultimately defeat these menaces. The Scorecard could not be of greater importance in judging the performance of those in Congress charged with this responsibility.

High scorers (over 90%) on the Senate side included: George Allen (R-VA), Jim Bunning (R-KY), Saxby Chambliss (R-GA), Norm Coleman (R-MN), Thad Cochran (R-MS), Sue Collins (R-ME), John Cornyn (R-TX), Elizabeth Dole (R-NC), John Ensign (R-NV), William Frist (R-TN), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Charles Grassley (R-IA), Judd Gregg (R-NH), Orin Hatch (R-UT), Jon Kyl (R-AZ), Richard Lugar (R-IN), Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Rick Santorum (R-PA), Jeff Sessions (R-AL), Richard Shelby (R-AL), Olympia Snowe (R-ME), Arlen Specter (R-PA), Ted Stevens (R-AK), Craig Thomas (R-WY).

On the House side, perfect scorers were: Dan Burton (R-IN), Eric Cantor (R-VA), Steve Chabot (R-OH), Howard Colbe (R-NC), Mac Collins (R-GA), Nathan Deal (R-GA), Tom DeLay (R-TX), Tom Feeney (R-FL), John P. Gingrey (R-GA), Virgil H. Goode, Jr. (R-VA), Dennis Hastert (R-IL), Robin Hayes (R-NC), Henry Hyde (R-IL), Johnny Isakson (R-GA), Charlie Norwood (R-GA), Mike Pence (R-IN), Jim Ramstad (R-MN), Ed Royce (R-CA), James F. Sensenbrenner (R-WI), Nick Smith (R-MI), Todd Tiahrt (R-KS).

Interestingly, in the wake of last night’s debate on national security and foreign policy matters, among the lowest scorers were Senator and presidential candidate John Kerry (D-MA) (making incorrect votes on every one of the 4 votes he actually cast) and his running-mate Senator John Edwards (D-NC) (who did not vote on five out of the 18 scored).

To view the Scorecard click here.