Forsyth County’s state legislators tout themselves as conservative leaders. And once again, the American Conservative Union agrees, naming five of the county’s seven delegates “conservatives.”

District 24 state Rep. Mark Hamilton and District 27 state Sen. Jack Murphy, both of Cumming, as well as District 51 state Sen. Steve Gooch of Dahlonega, all received perfect scores of 100 percent in the organization’s legislative ratings.

“I’m humbled and honored to have received this award,” Hamilton said. “It means a great deal to me to know that my conservative principles are recognized not only by this organization, but others as we continue to work for the citizens.”

Dubbed the “Conservative All-Stars,” just eight senators and five representatives received a perfect score, earning the organization’s Defenders of Liberty status.

Murphy said he was honored to be recognized, adding that the organization’s “core values of liberty, personal responsibility, traditional values, and strong national defense reflect my own views, and I will continue to support these initiatives in Georgia.”

In addition to the Defenders of Liberty, District 25 state Rep. Mike Dudgeon and District 26 state Rep. Geoff Duncan, both of Forsyth, earned “conservative status” for having scored at least 80 percent on the ratings system, which reviews voting records during the session.

This is the second year the union has ranked Georgia’s lawmakers, though it has done so with Congress since 1971.

In a statement, ACU Chairman Al Cardenas applauded “conservatives in the Georgia General Assembly who continue to fight for Second Amendment rights, the right to life and against Obamacare.”

Noting the strong local showing, Hamilton said the ratings are “just another example of the recognition that Forsyth County is one of the most conservative areas, not only in the state of Georgia but the country.”