Beltway Magazine: SC Rep. Gowdy a "Surprise Standout" in Congress

U.S. Rep. Trey Gowdy (R-Spartanburg), who represents much of the Upstate in Congress, was named as the top "Surprise Standout" by Washingtonian Magazine in its annual "Best and Worst of Congress" survey.

Last year, the New York Times named Gowdy one of the coolest members of Congress. 

See the complete list right here.

Why Gowdy achieved the accolade from the Washingtonian is unclear. However, despite being a freshman, Gowdy has not exactly been a traditional back-bencher.

Gowdy, a mostly hard-line, Tea Party-backed conservative who faces for his 4th District seat this November, has been the leading . And, he famously joined the state GOP congressional delegation to

He also made headline news this summer when "The notion that the First Amendment has no limitations whatsoever is balderdash," he said.

In remarks during a House Judiciary subcommittee hearing in July on possible legislation to crack down on leaks and potentially prosecute reporters for publishing classified information, Gowdy added:

"Put them in front of the grand jury. You either answer the question or you're going to be held in contempt and go to jail, which is what I thought all reporters aspire to do anyway. I mean all of us aspire to be committee chairmen. I thought that was the crown jewel of the reporter's resume to actually go to jail protecting a source. Give them what they want!" 

Yet, while Republicans of his ilk are being criticized and spotlighted thanks to Missouri Rep. Todd Akin's recent comments on "legitimate rape" in terms of abortion, Gowdy received praise from women's groups this summer for his impassioned defense of the Violence Against Women Act on the House floor.

And, he has taken a more moderate pro-life stance on abortion versus Akin and GOP vice presidential nominee, Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan, supporting exceptions in cases of rape, incest, and saving the life of the mother.

You can view Gowdy's voting record here.

What is your impression of Gowdy so far, in his first term as your Congressman? Sound off in the comments section below.