''''Here is a complete compilation of CQ voting studies and interest group rating data for every legislator who has served in Congress from 1947 to 2004. This new edition is updated to include information on six new congressional sessions (106th, 107th, and 108th Congresses). Organized alphabetically by members' names, this resource is perfect for quick or in-depth research and provides the easiest, most accurate way to gauge the political orientation of members of Congress over time.''''Most members of Congress cast hundreds of roll call votes during a career in office. The Directory cuts out the overwhelming detail work involved in examining these votes, simplifying this task for students and researchers by drawing on compilations from CQ journalism and by organized interest groups of differing political persuasions.''''Editor J. Michael Sharp has given careful consideration to which scores to use to give the most accurate picture of each representative's political positions and performance. This is the best source for understanding the political preferences of U.S. senators and representatives, and what this may mean about their choices on future votes. Academic, professional, and public libraries will want to make this volume available to anyone interested in the federal legislative process.''''