http://www.conservative.org/about/default.aspAbout Us
Overview
The American Conservative Union is the nation's oldest conservative lobbying organization. ACU's purpose is to effectively communicate and advance the goals and principles of conservatism through one multi-issue, umbrella organization. The Statement of Principles makes clear ACU's support of capitalism, belief in the doctrine of original intent of the framers of the Constitution, confidence in traditional moral values, and commitment to a strong national defense.
Over the years, ACU has been on the cutting edge of major public policy battles. Among ACU's significant efforts, past and present, are fighting to keep OSHA off the back of small businesses, opposing the Panama Canal giveaway, opposing the SALT treaties, supporting aid to freedom fighters in Marxist countries, promoting the confirmation of conservative Justices to the Supreme Court, battling against higher taxes, and advocating the need for near-term deployment of strategic defenses.
In 1994, through its Citizens Against Rationing Health coalition, sponsorship of national "town meetings," and a "Health Care Truth Tour," ACU spearheaded the conservative response on the health reform issue.
Whether fighting for lower taxes and less government spending, more effective and efficient military protection, or the cause of freedom world- wide, by speaking for the entire conservative movement the American Conservative Union is always "Your Conservative Voice in Washington."
Rating of Congress
Since 1971, ACU has published an annual rating of Congress. Each member of the House and Senate is rated on a scale of 0 to 100, based on actual votes cast on a wide range of issues. The ratings are designed to show how members vote on all the major issues to gauge their adherence to conservative principles. As the conservative rating listed in all major political almanacs and reference guides, the ACU ratings are often quoted by the media and are extensively used by political strategists and candidates running for public office.
The American Conservative Union has periodically published several special Voting Indices on specific important issue areas such as defense and SDI, judicial nominations, and pork barrel spending. In election years, the ACU has provided Interim Ratings of Congress to track votes that occurred during that Session before the elections.
Publications
In addition to Battle Line, its quarterly newsletter, ACU publishes selected legislative guides that are working manuals primarily used by members of Congress and their staffs. One example is The Clinton Plan: More Power to Government, documenting the Clinton record, and showing how he has consistently worked to give more power to Big Government -- and less to the American people. Another is The 1996 Committee for a Conservative Platform, a coalition effort by more than thirty groups to keep the Republican Party platform conservative.
ACU has also produced audio and video messages, such as TV documentaries on the SALT treaties and the Panama Canal, among others. Recent productions have included hard-hitting ads on the Clinton gas tax, opposition to an invasion of Haiti, and an "infomercial" on health care reform. Complete A-V tapes of CPAC proceedings are also made available each year.
CPAC
Since 1974, the ACU has hosted the annual Conservative Political Action Conference. Thousands of conservative activists and leaders from around the nation meet for three days to discuss current issues and policies, and set the agenda for the future. Open to the general public, CPAC always offers a distinguished cast of participants. Among them have been Presidents Ronald Reagan and George Bush, Vice President Dan Quayle, Senate GOP leader Bob Dole, House Speaker Newt Gingrich, numerous other Senators and Representatives, Cabinet officers, media correspondents, international celebrities and other key political figures. CPAC serves to bring dedicated and talented Americans into the conservative movement and to train and motivate them for political action.
For information on CPAC call 1-800-752-4391 or visit www.cpac.org.