STATEHOUSE (Dec. 7, 2012) — The American Conservative Union (ACU) named State Sen. Travis Holdman (R-Markle) a “Defender of Liberty” in its 2012 State Legislative Ratings. He is one of seven Indiana state senators to receive this recognition.

The honor is given to members of state legislatures who score 100 percent on the organization’s grading system. Rankings are determined by lawmakers’ votes on key conservative issues.

“It is one of my goals as senator to act with a voice of common sense and traditional Hoosier values for my constituents,” Holdman said. “This upcoming session, the General Assembly will confront a variety of important issues, including upholding our state’s fiscal position, building on our job-friendly environment and responding to federal health-care reform. Senate Republicans will always keep conservative principles in mind when making decisions on our state’s future.”

ACU first began rating members of Congress in 1971. Today, it is considered the most important conservative measuring stick in American politics. To see a full list of rankings, go to http://conservative.org/legislative-ratings.