Award Turns the Tide for Dogged Delegate Duke

WASHINGTON — Rep. Randy (Duke) Cunningham (R-San Diego), labeled a “spender” last week by one Washington group, was lauded Wednesday by another for his efforts to chop away at government waste and reduce the deficit.

Cunningham was awarded a “Golden Bulldog” trophy, signifying he voted “to contain unnecessary government spending at least 75% of the time, based on . . . selected votes.”

His 100-point rating may have been the highest in the California delegation. But because of the way some votes are weighted, lawmakers in other states received--improbably--even higher marks.

Cunningham’s office, smarting from the congressman’s “spender” ranking last week from the National Taxpayers Union Foundation, was quick to publicize the Bulldog award early Wednesday morning.

Also getting Bulldogs: 155 other House members and 34 senators. That’s 35% of Congress.

The trophies were given by the group Watchdogs of the Treasury Inc. The three other members of the San Diego County delegation--Ron Packard (R-Oceanside), Duncan Hunter (R-Coronado) and Bill Lowery (R-San Diego)--also were given the award with scores in the 80s and 90s.