The Census Bureau has released its population estimates change for the year between July 1, 2006 and July 1, 2007. The 10 fastest growing states are those that have typically voted for Republican presidential candidates in the last 20 to 30 years and tend to have more fiscally conservative state governments. Most of the liberal northeast take up the anchor positions. Michigan and Rhode Island were the only two states to actually lose population, and for the second year in a row.

The top ten states for highest growth rate are:

1. Nevada
2. Arizona
3. Utah
4. Idaho
5. Georgia
6. North Carolina
7. Texas
8. Colorado
9. Wyoming
10. South Carolina

The full list with all figures can be found here.

I think this goes to show you that states that harbor economic freedom and lower taxes will thrive and those that stifle such freedom with over regulation, high taxes, and higher labor costs will remain stagnant or decline.

The annual Repork Cards have been released by the Club for Growth. The scores are based on 50 anti-pork amendment introduced in the House by John Cambpell (R-CA), Jeff Flake (R-AZ), and Jeb Hensarling (R-TX). Only one amendment actually passed the House out of the 50. 16 Republicans scored a 100%:

24 Republicans scored a 0%. They did not vote for a single pork stripping amendment.

In the Senate the score was based on 15 pork stripping amendments introduced by Senators Tom Coburn (OK) and Jim DeMint (SC). Four Republicans scored a 100% (McCain only cast a vote on two of the amendments):

It was a four way tie for the lowest scoring Republican(s):

The average scores for Republicans were 59% in the Senate and 43% in the House, which are just absolutely pitiful.