GOP's "Sanders index".

Bernie Sanders, Vermont's sole congressman, is also the only admitted socialist in the House of Representatives. The registered Independent scored 47 percent for the three Conservative Indexes published for the current Congress. One hundred and seventy-four Republican congressmen--76 percent of the GOP House contingent --scored less than 47 percent for the same indexes, which included key votes on such measures as prescription drug benefits, job training, abortion at military facilities and funding for the North American Development Bank. This is an indictment of the GOP, not an endorsement of Sanders.

It should be understood that, in an era of a Republican-dominated Congress, Democrats often reject GOP-sponsored bills out of a desire to enact even more egregiously socialist legislation. Such votes earn a "plus" score in our index, which is based on performance irrespective of party affiliation or rhetorical posturing. It stands to reason that, were they in the majority and controlling the House legislative agenda, few Democrats would be casting "conservative" votes. But in principle, a properly informed and mobilized electorate in a congressional district should be able to compel its representative to compile a sound voting record.