CLUB FOR GROWTH ANNOUNCES VIRGINIA DEFENDER OF ECONOMIC FREEDOM AWARDS

Joe Kildea  |   July 21, 2021

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Club for Growth today announced its Defender of Economic Freedom awards for Virginia state legislators — five House of Delegates members — whose voting records distinguished them as champions of economic liberty for their high scores on the new Club for Growth Foundation’s 2021 Virginia Economic Scorecard.

The Club for Growth recognizes elected officials who, on the Foundation’s scorecard, score 90% or better in a given calendar year and maintain lifetime scores of 90% or better as Defenders of Economic Freedom. The following Virginia state lawmakers won the award:

  • Del. Nick Freitas (HD-30) – 100%
  • Del. Mark Cole (HD-88) – 99%
  • Del. Dave LaRock (HD-33) – 98%
  • Del. Todd Gilbert (HD-15) – 97%
  • Del. Amanda Batten (HD-96) – 93%

“Virginia has over 60 Republican lawmakers in the state legislature, but only five of those lawmakers are true defenders of economic freedom. It is especially concerning to see that no Republican in the state senate consistently voted to protect economic freedom. Members of the Virginia General Assembly can and should do better if they want to deliver economic growth and freedom to their citizens,” said Club for Growth President David McIntosh. 

Key Takeaways on Virginia’s 2021 Economic Scorecard:

Virginia Senate

  • Average Republican Score: 69%
  • Average Democrat Score: 16%
  • Highest-Rated Republican: Sen. David Suetterlein (SD-19) – 89%
  • Highest-Rated Democrats: Sen. Jeremy McPike (SD-29) and Sen. Chap Petersen (SD-34) – 28%
  • Lowest-Rated Republican: Sen. Jill Vogel (SD-27) – 33%
  • Lowest-Rated Democrat: Sen. Mamie Locke (SD-02) – 0%

Virginia House of Delegates

  • Average Republican Score: 80%
  • Average Democrat Score: 16%
  • Highest-Rated Republican: Del. Nick Freitas (HD-30) – 100%
  • Highest-Rated Democrats: Del. Hala Ayala (HD-51) and Del. David Bulova (HD-37) – 22%
  • Lowest-Rated Republican: Del. James Morefield (HD-03) – 69%
  • Lowest-Rated Democrats:

o    Del. Lashrecse Arid (HD-63) – 0%

o    Del. Mark Levine (HD-45) – 0%

o    Del. Jeion Ward (HD-92) – 0%