Rep. Tim Walz is a centrist, at least according to the National Journal's newly released Congressional ratings.
The rankings judged members of Congress on their votes in three areas — economic issues, social issues and foreign policy — on liberal and conservative scales. Overall, Walz comes in a little left of center.
Of course, not everyone agress with the classification.
When asked for his reaction to Walz's new title of centrist, state Republican party state chair Tony Sutton let out a loud "Ha!"
"He's pretty liberal in our book," Sutton said, citing Walz's votes for the stimulus, cap-and-trade and health-care. "So you can point to some East-Coast journal to say that he's a centrist, but back home everyone knows that he's a liberal."
The ranking comes as a boon to Walz and his campaign, particularly as challengers for his seat have identified him as too liberal for his district.
As for other members of the Minnesota delegation, Rep. Collin Peterson unsurprisingly joined Walz in the "Centrists" category, while Rep. Betty McCollum is listed among the "Most Liberal."
Hayley Tsukayama is an intern at the Star Tribune's Washington bureau.
