Abortion Issues

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2009  Senator Merkley supported the interests of NARAL Pro-Choice America 100 percent in 2009.

2005  Senator Merkley supported the interests of the NARAL Pro-Choice Oregon 100 percent of the organization in that year.

2003  Senator Merkley supported the interests of the Planned Parenthood PAC of Oregon 100 percent in 2003.

1999  Senator Merkley supported the interests of the NARAL Pro-Choice Oregon 100 percent of the organization in that year.

Agriculture Issues

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2007  Based on a point system, with points assigned for actions in support of or in opposition to Oregon Farm Bureau's position, Senator Merkley received a rating of 67.

2005  Senator Merkley supported the interests of the Oregon Farm Bureau 54 percent in 2005.

Animal Rights and Wildlife Issues

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2009  Senator Merkley supported the interests of the Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund 75 percent in 2009.

2009  Senator Merkley supported the interests of the The Humane Society Legislative Fund 83 percent in 2009.

2006  Based on a point system, with points assigned for actions in support of or in opposition to Humane USA- Oregon's position, Senator Merkley received a rating of 100.

Budget, Spending and Taxes

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2009  Senator Merkley supported the interests of the National Taxpayers Union 6 percent in 2009.

2003  Senator Merkley supported the interests of the Taxpayer Association of Oregon 0 percent in 2003.

2002  Senator Merkley supported the interests of the Taxpayer Association of Oregon 20 percent in 2002.An additional 10 percent points was added to the score if the lawmaker signed and kept the No New Taxes Pledge.

Business and Consumers

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2005-2006  Senator Merkley supported the interests of the Oregon National Federation of Independent Business 22 percent in 2005-2006.

2005  Senator Merkley supported the interests of the Associated Oregon Industries 43 percent in 2005.

2005  Senator Merkley supported the interests of the Oregonians for Food and Shelter 0 percent in 2005.

2003-2004  Senator Merkley supported the interests of the Oregon National Federation of Independent Business 40 percent in 2003-2004.

2003  Senator Merkley supported the interests of the Associated Oregon Industries 50 percent in 2003.

2003  Senator Merkley supported the interests of the Oregonians for Food and Shelter 0 percent in 2003.

2000-2001  Senator Merkley supported the interests of the Oregon National Federation of Independent Business 58 percent in 2000-2001.

1999-2000  Senator Merkley supported the interests of the Oregon National Federation of Independent Business 38 percent in 1999-2000.

Civil Liberties and Civil Rights

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2009  On the votes used to calculate its ratings, the American Library Association attaches more value to those votes it considers more important. For 2009, the American Library Association gave Senator Merkley a rating of 33 percent.

2009  In 2009 the Irregular Times/Progressive Patriots - Net Congressional Score - May 14, 2010 gave Senator Merkley a rating of 74.

2009  Based on a point system, with points assigned for actions in support of or in opposition to the Irregular Times/Progressive Patriots - Progressive Action Score - May 14, 2010's position, Senator Merkley received a rating of 80 percent.

2009  Based on a point system, with points assigned for actions in support of or in opposition to the Irregular Times/Progressive Patriots - Regressive Action Score - May 14, 2010's position, Senator Merkley received a rating of 6 percent.

2009  Senator Merkley supported the interests of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People 100 percent in 2009.

2008  Based on a point system, with points assigned for actions in support of or in opposition to American Civil Liberties Union of Oregon's position, Senator Merkley received a rating of 0.

2007  Based on a point system, with points assigned for actions in support of or in opposition to American Civil Liberties Union of Oregon's position, Senator Merkley received a rating of 75.

2005  Senator Merkley supported the interests of the American Civil Liberties Union of Oregon 80 percent in 2005.

2003  Senator Merkley supported the interests of the American Civil Liberties Union of Oregon 60 percent in 2003.

2001  Senator Merkley supported the interests of the American Civil Liberties Union of Oregon 67 percent in 2001.

1999  Senator Merkley supported the interests of the American Civil Liberties Union of Oregon 71 percent in 1999.

Conservative

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2009  Senator Merkley supported the interests of the American Conservative Union 4 percent in 2009.

2009  Senator Merkley supported the interests of the American Conservative Union - Lifetime 4 percent during their legislative career up until 2009.

2009  Senator Merkley supported the interests of the Campaign for Working Families 0 percent in 2009.

2009  Senator Merkley supported the interests of the Eagle Forum 7 percent in 2009.

2009  Senator Merkley supported the interests of the Heritage Alliance - Congressional 9 percent in 2009.

2009  According to the National Journal - Composite Conservative Score's calculations, Senator Merkley voted more conservative on economic, defense and foreign policy issues than 19 percent of members within the same chamber of Congress in 2009.

2009  According to the National Journal - Composite Liberal Score's calculations, Senator Merkley voted more liberal on economic, defense and foreign policy issues than 81 percent of members within the same chamber of Congress in 2009.

2009  According to the National Journal - Conservative on Economic Policy calculations, Senator Merkley voted more conservative on economic policy issues than 0 percent of members within the same chamber of Congress in 2009.

2009  According to the National Journal - Conservative on Foreign Policy's calculations, Senator Merkley voted more conservative on foreign policy issues than 0 percent of members within the same chamber of Congress in 2009.

2009  According to the National Journal - Conservative on Social Policy's calculations, Senator Merkley voted more conservative on social policy issues than 28 percent of members within the same chamber of Congress in 2009.

2009  Senator Merkley supported the interests of the The Club for Growth 0 percent in 2009.

1999  Senator Merkley supported the interests of the Oregon Christian Coalition 21 percent in 1999.

Education

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2009  Senator Merkley supported the interests of the American Association of University Women 100 percent in 2009.

2009  In 2009 the National Education Association gave Senator Merkley a grade of A.

2007  Based on a point system, with points assigned for actions in support of or in opposition to Oregon Education Association's position, Senator Merkley received a rating of 100.

2003  Senator Merkley supported the interests of the Oregon Education Association 91 percent in 2003.

1999  Senator Merkley supported the interests of the Oregon Education Association 92 percent in 1999.

Environmental Issues

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2009  Senator Merkley supported the interests of Environment America 100 percent in 2009.

2009  Senator Merkley supported the interests of the League of Conservation Voters 100 percent in 2009.

2007-2009  Senator Merkley supported the interests of Environment America 100 percent from 2007-2009.

2007  Based on a point system, with points assigned for actions in support of or in opposition to Oregon League of Conservation Voters (OLCV)'s position, Senator Merkley received a rating of 95.

2005  Senator Merkley supported the interests of the Oregon League of Conservation Voters (OLCV) 94 percent in 2005.

2003  Senator Merkley supported the interests of the Oregon League of Conservation Voters (OLCV) 100 percent in 2003.

2001  Senator Merkley supported the interests of the Oregon League of Conservation Voters (OLCV) 88 percent in 2001.

1999  Senator Merkley supported the interests of the 1000 Friends Action Fund 81 percent in 1999.

1999  Senator Merkley supported the interests of the Oregon League of Conservation Voters (OLCV) 100 percent in 1999.

Family and Children Issues

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2009  Senator Merkley supported the interests of The Children's Health Fund 100 percent in 2009.

2007  Based on a point system, with points assigned for actions in support of or in opposition to Oregon Stand for Children's position, Senator Merkley received a rating of 100.

2005  Senator Merkley supported the interests of the Oregon Stand for Children 100 percent in 2005.

Foreign Aid and Policy Issues

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2009  Senator Merkley supported the interests of the American Security Council Foundation 30 percent in 2009.

2009  Senator Merkley supported the interests of Peace Action West 80 percent in 2009.

2007-2009  In 2007-2009 Citizens for Global Solutions gave Senator Merkley a grade of A+.

Gun Issues

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2010  In 2010 Gun Owners of America - April Ratings gave Senator Merkley a grade of F.

2009  In 2009 Gun Owners of America gave Senator Merkley a grade of F.

2006  Based on lifetime voting records on gun issues and the results of a questionnaire sent to all state legislative candidates in 2006, the National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund assigned Senator Merkley a grade of F (with grades ranging from a high of A+ to a low of F).

2004  Based on lifetime voting records on gun issues and the results of a questionnaire sent to all state legislative candidates in 2004, the National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund assigned Senator Merkley a grade of F (with grades ranging from a high of A+ to a low of F).

2002  Based on lifetime voting records on gun issues and the results of a questionnaire sent to all state legislative candidates in 2002, the National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund assigned Senator Merkley a grade of F (with grades ranging from a high of A+ to a low of F).

2000  Based on lifetime voting records on gun issues and the results of a questionnaire sent to all state legislative candidates in 2000, the National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund assigned Senator Merkley a grade of F (with grades ranging from a high of A+ to a low of F).

1999  Senator Merkley supported the interests of the Ceasefire Oregon 80 percent in 1999.

1991-2009  Senator Merkley supported the interests of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence 66 percent between 1991-2009.

Health Issues

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2009  Senator Merkley supported the interests of the American Nurses Association 100 percent in 2009.

2009  Senator Merkley supported the interests of the American Public Health Association 100 percent in 2009.

2009  Senator Merkley supported the interests of the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology 100 percent in 2009.

2009  Senator Merkley supported the interests of the Association of University Centers on Disabilites 42 percent in 2009.

2009  Senator Merkley supported the interests of The Children's Health Fund 100 percent in 2009.

Immigration

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2007-2010  Senator Merkley supported the interests of National Latino Congreso/William C. Velásquez Institute - March Progress Report 80 percent in 2007-2010.

2001-2002  Senator Merkley supported the interests of the Oregonians for Immigration Reform 90 percent in 2001-2002.

Labor

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2009  Senator Merkley supported the interests of the AFL-CIO 100 percent in 2009.

2009  Senator Merkley supported the interests of the AFL-CIO - Lifetime 100 percent during their legislative career up until 2009.

2009  Senator Merkley supported the interests of the American Federation of Government Employees 100 percent in 2009.

2009  Senator Merkley supported the interests of Federally Employed Women 70 percent in 2009.

2009  Senator Merkley supported the interests of the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers 100 percent in 2009.

2007  Based on a point system, with points assigned for actions in support of or in opposition to American Federation of Teachers-Oregon's position, Senator Merkley received a rating of 100.

2005  Senator Merkley supported the interests of the American Federation of Teachers-Oregon 100 percent in 2005.

2005  Senator Merkley supported the interests of the Oregon AFL-CIO 94 percent in 2005.

2005  Senator Merkley supported the interests of the SEIU Local 503, Oregon Public Employees Union on Health Care Issues 100 percent in 2005.

2005  Senator Merkley supported the interests of the SEIU Local 503, Oregon Public Employees Union on Labor Issues 100 percent in 2005.

2005  Senator Merkley supported the interests of the SEIU Local 503, Oregon Public Employees Union on Tax Loopholes 50 percent in 2005.

2003  Senator Merkley supported the interests of the American Federation of Teachers-Oregon 90 percent in 2003.

2003  Senator Merkley supported the interests of the Oregon AFL-CIO 100 percent in 2003.

2001-2002  Senator Merkley supported the interests of the Oregon AFL-CIO 95 percent in 2001-2002.

2001  Senator Merkley supported the interests of the Oregon AFL-CIO 95 percent in 2001.

1999  Senator Merkley supported the interests of the Oregon AFL-CIO 100 percent in 1999.

Liberal

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2009  Senator Merkley supported the interests of Americans for Democratic Action 100 percent in 2009.

2009  In 2009 the Irregular Times/Progressive Patriots - Net Congressional Score - May 14, 2010 gave Senator Merkley a rating of 74.

2009  Based on a point system, with points assigned for actions in support of or in opposition to the Irregular Times/Progressive Patriots - Progressive Action Score - May 14, 2010's position, Senator Merkley received a rating of 80 percent.

2009  Based on a point system, with points assigned for actions in support of or in opposition to the Irregular Times/Progressive Patriots - Regressive Action Score - May 14, 2010's position, Senator Merkley received a rating of 6 percent.

2009  According to the National Journal - Composite Conservative Score's calculations, Senator Merkley voted more conservative on economic, defense and foreign policy issues than 19 percent of members within the same chamber of Congress in 2009.

2009  According to the National Journal - Composite Liberal Score's calculations, Senator Merkley voted more liberal on economic, defense and foreign policy issues than 81 percent of members within the same chamber of Congress in 2009.

2009  According to the National Journal - Liberal on Economic Policy's calculations, Senator Merkley voted more liberal on economic policy issues than 88 percent members within the same chamber of Congress in 2009.

2009  According to the National Journal - Liberal on Foreign Policy calculations, Senator Merkley voted more liberal on foreign policy issues than 55 percent of members within the same chamber of Congress in 2009.

2009  According to the National Journal - Liberal on Social Policy's calculations, Senator Merkley voted more liberal on social policy issues than 69 percent of members within the same chamber of Congress in 2009.

Military Issues

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2009  Senator Merkley supported the interests of the Military Officers Association of America 100 percent in 2009.

National Security Issues

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2009  Senator Merkley supported the interests of the American Security Council Foundation 30 percent in 2009.

Senior and Social Security Issues

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2009  Senator Merkley supported the interests of the Alliance for Retired Americans 100 percent in 2009.

2009  Senator Merkley supported the interests of the Alliance for Retired Americans - Lifetime 100 percent during their legislative career up until 2009.

Social Issues

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2009  Based on legislative votes on the floor and in various committees, Senator Merkley supported Population Connection's interests 100 percent of the time.

2007-2010  Senator Merkley supported the interests of National Latino Congreso/William C. Velásquez Institute - March Progress Report 80 percent in 2007-2010.

Welfare and Poverty

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2009  Senator Merkley supported the interests of the Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law 92 percent in 2009.

Women's Issues

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2009  Senator Merkley supported the interests of the American Association of University Women 100 percent in 2009.

2009  Senator Merkley supported the interests of Federally Employed Women 70 percent in 2009.

How to Interpret these Evaluations: (Back to top) Project Vote Smart collects performance evaluations from special interest groups who provide them, regardless of issue or bias. If you have any comments concerning performance evaluations or know of a group that provides ratings not included here, please contact us at ratings@vote-smart.org. Keep in mind that ratings done by special interest groups are biased. They do not represent a non-partisan stance. In addition, some groups select votes that tend to favor members of one political party over another, rather than choosing votes based solely on issues concerns. Nevertheless, they can be invaluable in showing where an incumbent has stood on a series of votes in the past one or two years, especially when ratings by groups on all sides of an issue are compared. Website links, if available, and descriptions of the organizations offering performance evaluations are accessible by clicking on the name of the group. Most performance evaluations are displayed in a percentage format. However, some organizations present their ratings in the form of a letter grade or endorsement based on voting records, interviews, survey results and/or sources of campaign funding. For consistency, Project Vote Smart converts all scores into a percentage when possible. Please visit the group's website or call 1-888-VOTESMART for more specific information.