By Ali Carey, Contributing Writer

As the 2011 legislative year comes to an end, the Independence Hall Tea Party Association, the largest such group in the Philadelphia area, announced its selection of U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey and Pa. Rep. Curt Schroder (R-Chester) as its 2011 Federal and State Legislators of the year.

The awards will be presented at the Associations’ 3rd Annual Christmas Tea Party at an outdoor re-enactment of the original Philadelphia Tea Party of 1773 on Tuesday December 27 in Philadelphia.

According to Association President Terri Adams, the group chose Sen. Toomey as its Federal Legislator due to his “heroic efforts towards balancing the budget, lowering tax rates, and growing the economy to create private sector jobs.”

“We were amazed by his stellar performance as a freshman senator –whether he was rallying his fellow Republicans behind one Balanced Budget Amendment to the US Constitution, drafting his own version of a balanced budget, or serving so admirably on the Super Committee –encouraging the lowering of marginal tax rates and promoting reforms to spur deregulation and economic growth,” said Adams.

Other regional and national congressman which were considered for the esteemed Federal Legislator of the Year title included Reps. Mike Fitzpatrick (R-Bucks) and Pat Meehan (R-Delaware).

In their announcement the group praised Rep. Schroder for sticking to his principles whether in the majority or minority opinion. They also applauded Schroder’s support of a school choice bill and his staunch opposition to ‘Obamacare.’

Schroder announced that he will retire at the end of this term, after 18 years in the legislature. During his career, he has been well known as a conservative thorn in the side of GOP leadership.

Other candidates considered for the State Legislator of the Year included Pa. Reps. Daryl Metcalfe (R-Butler) and Steven Barrar (R-Delaware).