Quin Hillyer, The Examiner
2008-02-08 08:00:00.0
Current rank: Not ranked

WASHINGTON -

Mark Tapscott, editorial page editor of The Washington Examiner, will receive the Conservative Political Action Conference’s journalist of the year award today for producing what American Conservative Union Chairman David A. Keene called a “consistent, conservative, articulate editorial page.”

CPAC, a gathering of more than 6,000 conservative activists, gives the honor annually “for distinguished service to the conservative movement throughout one’s journalistic career.”

Tapscott was the lead author of the acclaimed “Lawyers Gone Wild” series (examiner.com/sr-Lawyers_Gone_Wild.html), a collection of 17 special-report commentaries on liability lawsuit abuse in America.

The series examined the high costs of litigation, the pressure tactics big plaintiffs’ firms use in their lawsuits, and the political influence exercised by those firms.

“Mark has been a brilliant and persuasive advocate for transparency in government, fiscal responsibility, legal reform and ending earmarks,” said Stephen G. Smith, executive editor of The Examiner.

“I’m immensely pleased and honored, and surprised,” Tapscott said. “I’m especially glad that it involves recognition for The Examiner because I’m proud of all this newspaper has accomplished in a very short time.”

Keene said that particular attention often is given to work in “the past year or so.” He added, “I think The Examiner is a good addition to the discussion in the area.”

During that time, The Examiner’s editorial page has argued in favor of strong enforcement of immigration laws and for pursuing energy independence through free-market solutions. The 35th Annual CPAC continues through Saturday night at the Omni Shoreham Hotel. Among the speakers at this year’s event are President Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney and Republican presidential candidates John McCain and Mike Huckabee.