Faith 'n Values Quotient for Congress -- Sen. Richard Shelby

How good are our members of Congress at connecting the dots between their essential values and principles and their policy positions? I'm looking at each member's official Congressional website to see if I can find dot-connecting material. I'm starting with the Senate, working state-by-state in alphabetical order. First up: Alabama Sen. Richard Shelby, Republican, elected in 1986.


FAV-Q: 70.
Official website search engine results:
Religion – 4 hits.
Faith – 20 hits.
Values – 34 hits.

Like many of his peers, his site lists many more positions than it offers explanations for how he arrives at those positions. His bio says the Christian Coalition gave him a "Friend of the Family" award, at least an indication of underlying values. In 2004, he testified in favor of the 'Constitution Restoration Act of 2004.' This legislation reinforces states rights by clarifying that the Supreme Court and district courts do not have jurisdiction to hear cases brought against a federal, state or local government or officer for acknowledging God as the sovereign source of law, liberty, or government.

FAV-Q quote:

"It's not going away. We will be fighting terrorism in 100 years. Some Muslims have hijacked their religion, and we're going to be in a struggle. We've been very lucky the last five years. I hope and pray we won't have anymore attacks here, but we will, and they will be awful."
June 8, 2004