The Virginia League of Conservation Voters has released its annual legislative score card, which ranks General Assembly members on the basis of committee and floor votes crucial to the conservation community. The House of Delegates improved its score considerably in 2007 compared to the year before, outperforming the state Senate by a wide margin.
The League specifically commended 10 legislators, eight delegates and two senators, for achieving 100 percent scores. They include:
Sen. R. Edward Houck, D-Spotsylvania
Sen. Mamie E. Locke, D-Hampton
Del. Clifford L. Athey, R-Front Royal
Del. Jeffrey M. Frederick, R-Prince William
Del. l. Scott Lingamfelter, R-Woodbridge
Del. Robert G. Marshall, R-Manassas
Del. Harvey B. Morgan, R-Gloucester
Del. David A. Nutter, R-Christiansburg
Del. James M. Shuler, D-Blacksburg
Del. Robert J. Wittman, R-Caroline
How about that? Seven out of the Top 10 scorers were Republicans. Obviously, there is a major disconnect between the politics of conservation/environment on the national level and on the local level. The issues that the VALCV focused on included: Citizen Environmental Board Consolidation, the Electric Utility Restructuring, Right to Deny a Rezoning, SLAPP suit protection, and Offshore Drilling. Read the full report here.