November 17, 2006 1:08PM 

# Hoyer’s a Liberal 

By [Chris Edwards](https://www.cato.org/people/chris-edwards) 

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In at least two stories today (here’s [one](http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/11/16/AR2006111601524.html)), the *Washington Post* described new House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D‑MD) a “moderate.”

Nonsense. *National Journal* scores for votes on economic issues show that Hoyer is a consistent liberal. His percentile rank in the House for favoring conservative economic policies was toward the bottom end at 26 percent, 20 percent, and 26 percent for 2003, 2004, and 2005, respectively. His voting record also shows a strong preference for “liberal” social and foreign policy positions.

In his latest *Almanac*, Michael Barone calls him “fairly liberal,” but does note the exception of Hoyer’s votes in favor of free trade agreements.

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[Government and Politics](https://www.cato.org/government-politics) 

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