Biden Ranks as One of Senate's Most Conservative Democrats



WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Senator Joseph R. Biden, Jr. ranks as one of the top five most conservative Democrats, according to a detailed national analysis.

National Journal examined 39 key votes in 1997 on economic, social and foreign policy issues to determine the rankings. These issues include: the Constitutional Balanced Budget Amendment; tax cuts; banning late-term abortions, referred to as "partial-birth" abortions; and ratification of the Chemical Weapons Ban Treaty.

National Journal's ratings showed Senator Biden voted more conservatively than other Senators 35 percent of the time on economic issues; 45 percent on social issues; and 32 percent on foreign policy issues.

"Ideological labels have never guided my votes," Biden said. "I look at the merits of an issue, how it impacts people in Delaware, how it shapes national policies, and I follow my conscience.

"National Journal's voting analysis, however, confirms what I have been saying for the past several years -- moderates from both parties are the key political force in the Senate to getting the job done in Congress for the American people."

The other four most conservative Democrats are: Senators Joseph I. Lieberman (CT); Wendell H. Ford (KY); John B. Breaux (LA); and Daniel Patrick Moynihan (NY).