Manassas Journal Messenger | Business group slams Woodbridge delegate

The Virginia Foundation for Research and Economic Education ranked Delegate Jeffrey M. Frederick, R-Woodbridge, last on a list of 98 state delegates for effectiveness in the 2005 lawmaking session.

The business group gave Frederick a score of 36 out of 100.

“The Republican caucus in the House [of Delegates] has pretty much disregarded Virginia FREE,” Frederick said. “The things they score as business votes in a lot of our opinions aren’t business votes. I run a small business and I am very, very pro-small business.”

Virginia FREE determines the effectiveness rating by surveying its professional government affairs members. For this rating, it asks these members how effective they believe each legislator to be in accomplishing his or her objectives in the legislature, regardless of the legislator’s position on business issues.

Frederick saw a high percentage of his bills die this year, which may have been because of his freshman legislator status, said Stephen Farnsworth, associate professor of political science at the University of Mary Washington.

“I think that so much of success in politics depends on where you are in the hierarchy,” Farnsworth said. “So the more senior you are, the more luck you are going to have.”

Based on his voting record and a survey of business lobbyists, Frederick received an overall business-friendly score of 52 out of 100 for 2005.

“I have been endorsed in the past by the National Federation of Independent Businesses, a small business group, and I expect to be endorsed by them again,” Frederick said. “If I am not big-business friendly, that’s fine with me. I care more about the small businessman, because they’re the number one employer in Virginia and in our country.”

Delegate Harry J. Parrish, R-Manassas, ranked highest in the Prince William County area delegation, with an overall score of 89. Parrish, who founded the Manassas-based ice and fuel company MIFCO and chairs the House Finance Committee, received an 81 for effectiveness.

“The speaker was the only one rated higher than I did, and the speaker should always rate number one,” Parrish said. “I think [Virginia FREE] have always rated pretty fairly. I have been rated by them for many years now. I think they’re sincere in their ratings.”

Parrish cited his experience and his ability to work with members of both parties as a reason for his high marks.

Delegate L. Scott Lingamfelter, R-Dale City, received a 57 for effectiveness and a 68 overall. He also represents Quantico and eastern Fauquier.

The group gave Delegate Robert G. Marshall, R-Prince William, a 47 for effectiveness and a 64 overall. Delegate Michele B. McQuigg, R-Woodbridge, earned a 50 for effectiveness and a 63 overall.

Sen. Charles J. Colgan, a Democrat from Manassas, received an 83 for effectiveness and a 78 overall. Colgan, who also represents western and central Prince William, owns Manassas-based Colgan Air, one of the country’s largest privately-owned airlines.

Senate Finance Committee Chair John H. Chichester, R-Northumberland, earned a 94 for effectiveness and an 85 overall. Chichester also represents Quantico in Prince William.

The group gave Sen. James K. “Jay” O’Brien, R-Fairfax, a 55 for effectiveness and a 72 overall. He also represents portions of Lake Ridge.

Sen. Linda T. “Toddy” Puller, D-Fairfax, earned a 66 overall and a 55 for effectiveness. She also represents Woodbridge, Dale City and Occoquan.