ProgressOhio

Republicans may have a hard time painting 18th District congressman Zack Space as a liberal zealot, given a new ranking of members by the conservative National Journal.

In a Friday news release, Space boasts of his placement smack dab in the middle of the ideological pack.

"WASHINGTON, DC - Reaffirming his position as one of the most moderate and independent Members of Congress, National Journal today published rankings that place Congressman Zack Space's (OH-18) voting record almost dead-center. Of the 435 Members of Congress, there are 212 more "liberal" and 218 more "conservative," placing him squarely in the middle of the ideological spectrum.

"My constituents do not need statistics to prove what they already know - I am their independent voice in Congress," Space said. "I pride myself in working for the best interests of my district - not a political party - and I am proud of what I have been able to accomplish this Congress."

"In the 18th Congressional District, people are not looking for a Democrat or a Republican, and they are not looking for an ideologue. They want a moderate, independent, Ohioan who will fight for them every day. I am proud to do that, and I am proud of this ranking," Space continued.

See the release at:

http://space.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=20&parentid=8&sectiontree=8,20&itemid=398

As a Zack supporter, this leaves me with mixed emotions. While I'm always happy to deny the GOP a talking point, it's kind of difficult to keep cheering on the guy sticking to the safe middle.

With all due respect, Zack, I'm not looking for a moderate independent in the 18th -- I want a Democrat!