The Council for Citizens Against Government Waste released its annual grades of congressmen in September, and rated two North Carolina representatives as “taxpayer heroes” for their voting records against wasteful spending and in favor of tax cuts.

Rep. Howard Coble, R-6th and Rep. Sue Myrick, R-9th, were among only 59 members of the U.S. House to achieve the distinction, as measured by the Washington, D.C.-based government watchdog organization. CCAGW rated 40 key votes in the House and 16 in the Senate, ranging from making relief from the “marriage penalty” in the IRS code permanent, to maintaining the moratorium on Internet taxation. Voting appropriately 80 percent of the time, as measured by CCAGW, qualified congressmen as “heroes.”

“The budget process is in shambles, devoid of accountability, transparency, and enforcement measures,” CCAGW President Tom Schatz said. “While most representatives shrugged their shoulders at this dire situation, Rep. Myrick voted for all eight budget reform amendments and bills rated by CCAGW.”

Coble earned an 85 percent rating, which is also his lifetime grade, on the scorecard, while Myrick tallied 93 percent. Her lifetime score is 89.

Ranking as “hostile” to taxpayers with scores below 20 percent were four of North Carolina’s Democrats: Reps. Bob Etheridge, 2nd District; David Price, 4th District; Brad Miller, 13th District; and Mel Watt, 12th District. Watt’s score was zero percent.

On the Senate side, Elizabeth Dole, R-N.C., barely reached the “friendly” category (and just above a “lukewarm” ranking) with a 60 percent score. Former Sen. John Edwards, with 14 percent, was considered “hostile” to taxpayers. Edwards missed many of the votes last year when he ran for vice president alongside Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry, who challenged President Bush.

Republican Sen. Richard Burr, who represented the 5th District in the U.S. House during the scoring period last year, earned only 53 percent — making him “lukewarm,” according to CCAGW. His lifetime rating is 73 percent.

CCAGW’s Congressional Scorecard for 2004 can be viewed on the Internet.

Paul Chesser is associate editor of Carolina Journal. Contact him at [email protected].