In recognition for his ability to stick to his conservative principles in Congress by serving the people of the 3rd Congressional District of Missouri, U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer today announced that he has received the American Conservative Union’s Conservative award for defending liberty.

Since 1971, the nation’s oldest and largest grassroots conservative organization has annually graded members of Congress based on their votes on key conservative issues. The ACU tracks a wide range of issues before Congress to determine which issues and votes serve as a clear litmus test separating those representatives who defend liberty and liberal members who have turned their backs on our founding principles – constitutionally limited government, individual liberty, free markets, a strong national defense and traditional American values.

The 2012 ACU Ratings of Congress includes scores for each individual member in both the Senate and the House of Representatives, a description of the votes scored in each chamber of Congress and lists of members receiving special recognition as “ACU Conservatives” for scoring 80 percent or higher.

“It is important that as the voice of the 3rd District I remain committed to conservative values that include lower taxes, less spending and a strong national defense and I am truly honored to receive this recognition from the American Conservative Union,” Luetkemeyer said. “As we move forward, our country is going to need strong conservative voices against liberals determined to spend our country into bankruptcy and I plan to continue to be one of those voices.”

The full ACU guide can be accessed and downloaded now at conservative.org.