For a longer version of ACU’s history, see “The American Conservative Union: A History.” For a shorter version, see “Four Decades of Leadership,” by David A. Keene.

Overview
The American Conservative Union is the nation's oldest and largest grassroots conservative lobbying organization. ACU's purpose is to communicate and advance the goals and principles of conservatism through one multi-issue, umbrella organization. ACU's Statement of Principles expresses our commitment to a market economy, the doctrine of original intent of the framers of the Constitution, traditional moral values, and a strong national defense.

Since 1964, ACU has been on the cutting edge of major public policy battles. Our most significant efforts, past and present, include fighting to keep OSHA off the backs of small businesses; opposing the Panama Canal giveaway; challenging the SALT treaties; supporting aid to freedom fighters in communist countries; promoting the confirmation of conservative justices to the Supreme Court; advocating near-term deployment of strategic defenses; and battling against higher taxes and wasteful government spending.

Additionally, in 1994, through its Citizens against Rationing Health coalition, sponsorship of national town meetings, and Health Care Truth Tour, ACU spearheaded the conservative response to the Clintons' health-care proposals.

Whether fighting for lower taxes and less government spending, supporting more effective and efficient military protection, or defending the cause of freedom worldwide, the American Conservative Union seeks to promote the national conservative movement and to be the conservative voice in Washington.

Congressional Ratings
Since 1971, the American Conservative Union has published an annual "Rating of Congress." We rate each member of the House and Senate on a scale of 0 to 100, based on votes cast on a wide range of issues. The ratings are designed to show how members voted on all the major issues in order to gauge their adherence to conservative principles. ACU’s ratings have become an unparalleled resource for activists and journalists from across the political spectrum and are listed in all major political almanacs and reference guides. The ratings are frequently quoted by the media and are used extensively by political strategists and candidates running for public office.

The American Conservative Union has also periodically published special Voting Indices on important issue areas, such as defense and SDI, judicial nominations and pork barrel spending. During election years, ACU provides Interim Ratings of Congress to track votes that occurred during the session prior to the elections.

Publications
In addition to Conservative Battleline, a quarterly newsletter, ACU publishes a selection of legislative guides. Our most recent offerings include Hillary Rodham Clinton: What Every American Should Know, a provocative look at the scandals involving the controversial senator, and Who Is John Kerry?, an entertaining and informative look into the life of the American senator with the most liberal voting record in Congress. These popular guides are used extensively by congressional members and their staffs as well as by political campaigns and grassroots activists.

ACU has also produced audio and video messages, including TV documentaries on the SALT treaties and the Panama Canal, hard-hitting ads opposing the Clinton gas tax and an invasion of Haiti, and an infomercial on health care reform.

CPAC
Since 1973, ACU has hosted the annual Conservative Political Action Conference, where thousands of conservative activists and leaders from across the country join together for a three-day event to discuss current issues and policies and to set the agenda for the future of the conservative movement. CPAC is open to the general public and offers a distinguished cast of participants, speakers and panelists. Among the most notable guests: Presidents Ronald Reagan and George Bush; Vice Presidents Dan Quayle and Dick Cheney; former Senate GOP leader Bob Dole; former House Speaker Newt Gingrich; Senators Zell Miller, Rick Santorum and George Allen; as well as numerous other congressional members, Cabinet officers, media correspondents, international celebrities and key political figures. CPAC brings dedicated and talented Americans into the conservative movement and trains and motivates them for political action.

For information on CPAC, call (800) 752-4391, or visit www.cpac.org.