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The U.S. Capitol is shown in Washington, Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2013. West Michigan's Republican representation was highly favorable, according to a conservative lobbying group.

(AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Reps. Justin Amash, left, and Bill Huizenga

WASHINGTON, D.C. — West Michigan's two Republican representatives are considered some of the most conservative politicians in Congress.

The American Conservative Union gave both Reps. Justin Amash, R-Cascade Township, and Bill Huizenga, R-Zeeland, high marks for their votes on "key conservative issues," continuing a trend witnessed during the past several years. Both, too, are considered "ACU Conservatives" for scoring 80 percent or better.

The group rated Amash at 92 percent for his votes in 2013, up from 84 percent the previous year. Huizenga scored 80 percent, falling 16 percentage points from 2012.

More: The American Conservative Union's Congressional scorecard

The representatives' votes were put up against the position of the ACU on 25 bills, ranging from Hurricane Sandy disaster relief funding to an extension of the Violence Against Women Act. Both Amash and Huizenga, for example, matched the views of the ACU by voting for and against both measures, respectively.

The two bills ultimately ended up passing and were signed by President Barack Obama.

Although both congressmen were praised for their votes, they did not always vote the same way. The ACU took a position against the $85 billion federal budget compromise in December 2013, with Huizenga voting "yes" and Amash voting "no."

Still, Huizenga was praised for the totality of his votes.

"The 2013 Ratings show a continued commitment by Representative Huizenga to the conservative principles that will contribute to the revitalization of America,” ACU Foundation Chairman Carly Fiorina said in a news release.

In a statement, Amash said the recognition is an good representation of his time in Congress.

"I’m proud to be named the top conservative in Michigan," he said. "I was elected to defend our principles — individual liberty, economic freedom and fidelity to the Constitution — and I do that with every vote."

Amash; Kerry Bentivolio, R-Milford; Dave Camp, R-Midland; Tim Walberg, R-Tipton; and Huizenga rounded out the Top 5 of the most conservative members of Congress among Michigan's 14 representatives.

The conservative group did not rank Michigan's Democratic members beyond single digits or teens.

Andrew Krietz covers breaking and general police/fire news for MLive | The Grand Rapids Press. Email him at akrietz@mlive.com or follow him on Twitter.