On Thursday, Gus attended the American Conservative Union 's award reception where he received the designation of 'ACU Conservative' for his steadfast commitment to our nation's constitution.

ACU Chairman David A. Keene had this to say:

“The American Conservative Union has given its 2008 Ratings of Congress Award to Congressman Bilirakis for his support of conservative principles on a wide variety of issues. In a short space of time, Congressman Bilirakis has already shown he is someone grass roots conservative in Florida and elsewhere will be turning to for future leadership.”

The award is only given to those members of the House and Senate who scored 80% or higher on a wide variety of issues of interest to grass-roots conservatives during the second session of the 110th Congress.