National conservative group ranks Nevada lawmakers

(AP) - A national conservative group, in its inaugural rating of Nevada lawmakers, has given its highest marks to five Republican state senators.

The American Conservative Union issued its report Thursday, using votes on various spending and policy bills debated during the 2011 Nevada Legislature.

State Sens. Michael Roberson and Elizabeth Halseth of Las Vegas; Greg Brower of Reno; Don Gustavson of Sparks; and James Settelmeyer of Gardnerville all were deemed to be "conservative all-stars."

At the other end of the spectrum, Democratic Assemblywoman Peggy Pierce of Las Vegas was distinguished as a "true liberal."

The ACU has rated members of Congress on conservative issues since 1971. This is the first year it has graded state legislators. Besides Nevada, it issued ratings for lawmakers in Florida, North Carolina, Ohio and Virginia.