What Voters in the 6th Congressional District Should Know about Rep. Peter Roskam
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Peter Roskam Flunks Out

Peter Roskam ranks among the nation’s worst Congressmen, at least when it comes to his voting record on issues affecting middle class Americans.

This according to the TheMiddleClass.org 2007 Congressional Scorecard issued this month by the Drum Major Institute for Public Policy, a non-partisan progressive think tank.

Roskam scored an F on the scorecard based upon his record of consistently voting against measures directed at improving the lot of middle class and low-income Americans including:

  • Medicare Prescription Drug Price Negotiation Act of 2007
  • Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007
  • Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007
  • Clean Energy Act of 2007
  • Employee Free Choice Act of 2007
  • Children’s Health Insurance Program Re-authorization Act of 2007
  • Shareholder Vote on Executive Compensation Act of 2007
  • College Cost Reduction Act of 2007
  • Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2007
  • Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act of 2007
  • Temporary Tax Relief Act of 2007

Roskam chose to spend his first year in office pursuing the interests of the wealthiest residents of his district and of large corporations while actively working against legislation that would help the majority of his constituents whose means are more modest. All the while, Roskam railed against the Democrats in Congress for their supposed obstruction. It is clear from this impressive list of no votes that it was Roskam and his Republican colleagues who were attempting to throw up roadblocks.

Illinois Senators Barack Obama and Dick Durbin both scored highly on middle class issues, earning an A+ and an A, respectively.

Republicans are starting to get nervous about Roskam’s prospects this fall, Given Roskam’s appalling voting record and dismissive attitude toward his constituents, I don’t think a successful challenge is impossible.

There is finally a sign of impending activity at Jill Morgenthaler’s campaign website. I hope that we will soon see her taking Roskam to task for his performance.

March 16, 2008   2 Comments