Business Group Rates Legislators

In its annual review of the General Assembly, the business coalition Virginia Foundation for Research and Economic Education penalized each legislator for failing to pass a transportation plan during this summer's failed special session.

Virginia FREE's 24-page report opens with a statement on the partisan bickering that left the General Assembly unable to pass a plan to provide money for roads and transit.

"We have not only a shortage of transportation dollars, but also a shortage of courage and leadership needed to elevate good governance above short-term partisan gain," it says.

The group rates legislators using their voting records on key bills and business lobbyist evaluations.

Republicans scored on an average rating of 59; Democrats scored an average rating of 46. Delegates scored an average rating of 53; senators scored an average rating of 52.