Lynch at Large

Here are the highlights of a press release received yesterday from Senator Blanche Lincoln. All I can say is that I am astounded that any Democrat, even an Arkansas Democrat, would consider an award from one of the most retrograde groups in the country, to be positive.

Washington – U.S. Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.) recently received the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s "Spirit of Enterprise" award for her strong support of a pro-economic growth legislative agenda in the first session of the 109th Congress.

"I’m honored to receive this distinguished recognition from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for my fight in the Senate to protect Arkansas’ working families and small businesses which are the backbone of our state’s economy," Lincoln said. "I will continue my efforts in the U.S. Senate to get our economy moving forward and address the uncertainties of today’s business climate faced by our working men and women and small businesses."

The Chamber awards the "Spirit of Enterprise" based on rankings it gives members of Congress for key business votes explained in its annual publication, "How They Voted." Lincoln earned an 89 percent score with the Chamber last year and has compiled a 73 percent cumulative ranking during her tenure in Congress.

"Blanche is a leader who has fought for legislation to spur job creation, increase productivity and keep our economy growing," said Thomas J. Donohue, Chamber President and CEO. "We’re proud to present her with this award on behalf of America’s businesses, both large and small."

For the first session of the 109th Congress, the Chamber scored 18 Senate votes as key votes. Key votes for 2005 included class action reform, bankruptcy reform, a comprehensive energy bill, transportation reauthorization legislation, and the U.S.-Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement.

Lincoln has been awarded the Chamber’s prestigious "Spirit of Enterprise" award for her pro-business voting record for the last six years. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation, representing more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector and region.