By Bob Audette, Reformer Staff

BRATTLEBORO, April 2 -- Vermont's middle class has three champions in Washington, D.C., according to the Drum Major Institute for Public Policy.

The 2008 legislative record of Vermont's Congressional delegation showed strong support for the state's current and aspiring middle class, according to a scorecard report released this week by TheMiddleClass.org, the Congressional accountability project of the Drum Major Institute, a middle class-focused think tank.

It grades and analyzes votes on pieces of legislation that affect the quality of life of average U.S. residents, focusing on education, healthcare, employment, housing and other major policy areas.

Sen. Patrick Leahy and Rep. Peter Welch, both Democrats, both received an A, while independent Sen. Bernard Sanders received an A-plus.

The Massachusetts Congressional delegation received As and A pluses, according to the report. In New Hampshire, Republican Sen. Judd Gregg, received a failing grade while Demoratic Reps. Paul Hodes and Carol Shea-Porter both received A-pluses.

All members of the Vermont delegation told the Reformer it is their duty to stand up for the middle class of America.

"The middle class is continuing its steep decline with unemployment soaring, and millions of people in danger of losing their homes, savings and health insurance," said Sanders. "The dream of a college education is fading away for many working families as college costs go up while incomes go down. The United States continues to have the most unequal distribution of wealth and income. It is imperative that, at this important moment, Congress stand up for the middle class."

Leahy said it's common sense that a healthy middle class is healthy for our democracy and our economy.

"Unfortunately, misdirected policies have contributed to shrinking the middle class and to the widening income disparity between the very rich and everyone else," he said. "Our congressional delegation reflects Vermonters' common sense tradition of opening the doors of opportunity to all and of making government work better for the people."

It is more important than ever that we support our middle class, especially during an economic storm, said Welch.

"We must remain focused on creating quality jobs, reducing the costs of health care, education and energy, and ensuring all Americans have the opportunity to get ahead."

TheMiddleClass.org is the Drum Major Institute's accountability project designed to bridge the knowledge gap between the middle class and Congress. Based in New York City, the Drum Major Institute generates progressive ideas that can overcome ideological constraints while meeting political demands.

The full scorecard report is available now at www.themiddleclass.org.