Mike Simpson's Liberal Economic Record
Mike Simpson: One of the Most Economically Liberal Republicans in Washington
Washington – With talk of Senator Larry Craig possibly resigning in light of recent controversy, there is speculation of Rep. Mike Simpson (ID-2) filling the seat. In light of these developments, the Club for Growth PAC believes it is necessary to remind the public just how liberal Mike Simpson’s economic record truly is.
Since he was elected to the House of Representatives in 1998, Mike Simpson has been a reliable big-government economic liberal, not just by Idaho’s standards, but by the standards of the United States Congress. On Citizens Club for Growth’s 2005 congressional scorecard, Simpson ranked a dismal 217th, with 95% of House Republicans boasting a better record on economic issues. In 2006, Simpson’s rank was still poor, ranking 168th with a score of 49 out of a possible 100. From out-of-control spending to heavy-handed government regulations to anti-growth protectionism, the laundry list of Simpson’s sins is long. Some of his most salient offenses include:
- Scored a humiliating 4% on the Club for Growth’s recent RePORK Card, voting against 48 out of 50 anti-pork amendments offered during the FY 2008 appropriations process
- Voted for the Medicare Drug Bill (RC #669, 11/22/03)
- Voted for a minimum wage increase (RC #18, 01/10/07)
- Voted against protecting property rights in the wake of the Kelo decision (RC #350, 06/30/05)
- Voted against the line-item veto (RC #317, 06/22/06)
- Voted for the massive subsidy-infested 2002 Farm Bill (RC #123, 05/02/02)
- Voted for mohair subsidies (RC #383, 07/11/00)
- Voted against numerous free trade deals, including CAFTA (RC #443, 07/28/05); normal trade relations with Vietnam (RC #441, 07/26/00); normal trade relations with China (RC #255, 07/19/01); and free trade with Australia (RC #375, 07/14/04)
- Voted from the so-called “527 Reform Bill” that would restrict political free speech (RC #88, 04/05/06)
- Voted to criminalize “price-gouging” by oil companies (RC #115, 05/03/06)
“Idaho voters expect a U.S. senator who believes in limited government, free enterprise, and pro-growth policies,” said Club for Growth President Pat Toomey. “Unfortunately, Mike Simpson’s record in the House falls woefully short. Given his liberal record on economic issues, it is hard to imagine how Mike Simpson wins a Republican primary in the event that this Senate seats opens up.”
PAID FOR BY CLUB FOR GROWTH PAC AND NOT AUTHORIZED BY ANY CANDIDATE OR CANDIDATE'S COMMITTEE. 202-955-5500.
