August 14, 2006 12:24PM 

# Another Fiscal Conservative Sighted? 

By [David Boaz](https://www.cato.org/people/david-boaz) 

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The [Associated Press states](http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/08/11/ap/politics/mainD8JEEJP00.shtml) as fact that Sen. Lincoln “Chafee is a fiscal conservative.” OK, let’s go to the tape.

According to the National Taxpayers Union, Chafee [voted](http://www.ntu.org/misc_items/rating/VS_2005.pdf) to restrain taxes and spending only 33 percent of the time in 2005. He [introduced](http://www.ntu.org/downloads/BT109-2_Alpha.pdf) 43 bills to raise spending and only two to cut spending. He voted against Medicaid cuts. He voted not to allow a cap on spending increases. He voted to increase spending on community development block grants, low-income heating assistance, education, and a package of welfare programs.

What is the AP’s definition of a fiscal conservative?

##### Related Tags 

[General](https://www.cato.org/general), [Government and Politics](https://www.cato.org/government-politics), [Tax and Budget Policy](https://www.cato.org/tax-budget-policy) 

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