Club for Growth ♥ Kelly Ayotte

New Hampshire Sen. Kelly Ayotte earned a 98% score from Club for Growth on its annual Congressional Scorecard and was recognized with a “Defender of Economic Freedom” award.

Ayotte’s near-perfect score was based on her roll call votes favoring tax reduction, government spending cuts, free trade, tort reform, school choice and industry deregulation. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen received a 10% score. She did not receive an award.

Club for Growth raises money for “pro-growth” candidates. During the 2010 election cycle, the exceptionally well-funded conservative advocacy group spent more then $8.2 million in independent expenditures primarily advocating for Republican candidates or against Democrats. John Nichols notes the organization has been a key player in the orchestrated attacks on labor unions and public workers.