RICHMOND, VA–  Delegate Sam Nixon (R-Chesterfield) earned high marks in every category of Virginia FREE’s 2009 incumbent report, including one of the highest Effectiveness Ratings in the House of Delegates. Virginia FREE, a non-partisan coalition committed to preserving free enterprise through the political process, is comprised of a diverse group of business leaders throughout the Commonwealth.

“I am honored that Virginia FREE has recognized my efforts to protect and grow jobs in Virginia,” said Delegate Nixon. “I am committed to providing practical solutions that promote Virginia businesses and Virginia jobs.”

Virginia FREE awarded Delegate Nixon the second-highest Effectiveness Rating among House of Delegates members at 84%.  According to Virginia FREE, the Effectiveness Ratings measure “how effective each legislator is in accomplishing his or her legislative objectives.”  Delegate Nixon’s rating places him among the best legislators in Virginia as he has successfully and efficiently worked for practical solutions to strengthen businesses in Virginia.

Delegate Nixon also received a score of 80% on the Stewardship Evaluation, the highest score among all House of Delegates members. The stewardship score is based on each legislator’s role in the formulation and implementation of legislation that rises above partisanship to promote Virginia’s businesses.  With the highest score on the stewardship evaluation, Delegate Nixon has shown his commitment to bipartisan initiatives that aim to improve Virginia’s long-term economic health.

Virginia FREE recognized Delegate Nixon’s longtime commitment to job growth with the highest Cumulative Business Rating among all members of the House of Delegates. Virginia FREE’s Cumulative Business Rating evaluates legislators’ service from 1995 to 2009 and rates them based on their performance on critical business issues.  Delegate Nixon’s 79% rating is the highest among his colleagues and reflects his consistent promotion of initiatives that will maintain Virginia’s reputation as one of the best states in which to do business.

Delegate Nixon is also ranked in the top five of the House of Delegates in Virginia FREE’s evaluation of performances on business issues in the 2009 General Assembly session alone.  Delegate Nixon’s pro-business efforts in this year’s session, particularly on behalf of small businesses, earned him a high score of 83%.

His high ratings in all categories of Virginia FREE’s report place Delegate Nixon at the forefront of the fight to keep Virginia a business-friendly state and create jobs for Virginians.

“I work hard each year to promote responsible business initiatives that will encourage job growth in the Commonwealth and deliver real results to Virginians,” said Delegate Nixon.