The American Conservative Union (ACU) yesterday bestowed the Defender of Freedom award on Congressman Tom McClintock. Founded in 1964 by William F. Buckley, Jr., the ACU is American's oldest and largest grassroots conservative organization.

Presenting the award, David A. Keene, ACU Chairman, said that:

This Defender of Liberty award is a reflection of Representative Tom McClintock’s outstanding record in support of conservative principles on a wide range of issues of concern to grass roots conservatives in 2009 and someone to whom conservatives can turn to for leadership.  At a challenging time when the fundamental principles on which the American system of government are being challenged, Representative Tom McClintock stands with those who are trying to preserve those principles.