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Common Ground Scorecard for Chris Smith

Maverick
U.S. House

Chris Smith (NJ-4 - R)

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First elected to the House near the end of Jimmy Carter’s presidency, Chris Smith was left as the sole Republican representing New Jersey until his colleague Jeff Van Drew switched parties in 2020. That role has made Smith one of the most bipartisan co-sponsors of legislation in the House and one of the most prolific sponsors of bills enacted into law among his colleagues. Smith is one of Congress’s leading opponents of abortion and a vocal defender of global human rights. Smith became interested in politics after an internship with a state senator. In 1976, he became executive director of the New Jersey Right to Life Committee before running for Congress (and losing) at the age of 24.

(Bloomberg Government biography of Chris Smith)

Learn what Chris Smith says about finding common ground

Up for Reelection in 2024

Top Organizations and Groups

  • House Committee on Foreign Affairs

Common Ground Score is

49
*Common Ground Maverick*
Well Above Average

Based on a scale of 0-100, below is a breakdown of the Common Ground Score:

Official PerformanceMAX 30
19
Personal ActionsMAX 30
10
CommunicationsMAX 20
20
CommitmentsMAX 20
0
BONUS: Outstanding Common GrounderMAX 10
0
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Common Ground Score History for Chris Smith

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Official Performance Commentary

Top 10% for Official Performance.

Personal Actions Commentary

Member of Problem Solvers Caucus.

Communications Commentary

"While disagreements are inevitable, when we disagree and have fundamental differences, I believe that it is our duty to advance our point of view with the utmost civility and respect — and always take the high road."

Commitments Commentary

The politician has not affirmed the commitments.

Outstanding Commmon Grounder Commentary

There is no information available to support this score.

What are the score ranges?

  • Champion
  • Well Above Average
  • Somewhat Above Average
  • Average
  • Somewhat Below Average
  • Well Below Average

Insufficient Data to Score

For candidates without congressional or gubernatorial service, Official Performance points are a predictive estimate using statistical modeling.

Personal Actions points can be provisionally awarded for a commitment to take the action(s) within the first six months of office, if elected.

Maverick Matrix for Chris Smith

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