Indiana Rep. Tim Neese, R-Elkhart, received the American Conservative Union Conservative Award “for being a distinguished conservative legislator,” he said in a press release.

“As we begin the 2013 legislative session, I believe that now, more than ever, Indiana recognizes a need for leaders who will stand up for the conservative values and standards which serve to move our state forward while addressing the needs of the economy,” said Neese.

In giving the award, the American Conservative Union tracked Indiana lawmakers’ votes on key issues during the 2012 legislative session. The award recognizes lawmakers with a voting record of at least 80 percent on conservative principles.