Hoekstra for Governor

HOLLAND, MI - October 8, 2009- The Council for Citizens Against Government Waste (CCAGW) today honored Rep. Peter Hoekstra (R-Mich.) as a Taxpayer Hero for scoring 81 percent on its 2008 Congressional Ratings. The average for the entire House was 35 percent, and the average for the Senate was 38 percent; this makes Rep. Hoekstra's achievement that much more impressive. Since 1989, CCAGW has tracked roll call votes to separate the taxpayer advocates in Congress from those who favor wasteful programs and pork-barrel spending.
The 2008 Congressional Ratings cover the voting year 2008, the second session of the 110th Congress. CCAGW rated 48 key votes in the House and 42 in the Senate.

"Rep. Hoekstra put the interests of taxpayers ahead of politics by consistently voting to cut wasteful spending, reduce the tax burden, and make government more accountable to taxpayers," said CCAGW President Tom Schatz. "The 2008 Congressional Ratings show that many elected officials continue to demonstrate little regard for the harmful effect a large and cumbersome federal government has on taxpayers' wallets.

Out-of-control spending reigned over Capitol Hill, leading to a record $1.6 trillion deficit in fiscal year 2009, and an $11.8 trillion national debt. Rep. Hoekstra's votes give taxpayers hope for the future." House Democrats scored an average of 6 percent; House Republicans scored an average of 70 percent. In the Senate, the average for Democrats was 4 percent, and Republicans averaged 72 percent.

Hoekstra said, "I am honored to have earned this recognition and I look forward to bringing this same taxpayer friendly leadership to Lansing and becoming Michigan's Taxpayer Superhero as the next Governor and rein in the out of control spending."