State Rep. Christopher Coutu, R-Norwich was named a “legislative hero” by the think tank Yankee Institute based on their votes on 10 issues for free markets and individual liberty in the General Assembly in the 2011-2012 legislative sessions.

Among the keys votes studied were votes on Gov. Dannel P. Malloy administration’s 77 separate tax and fee increases, mandatory paid sick leave, the First Five jobs initiative, the forced unionization of private workers, and project labor agreements that drive up the cost of construction.

Coutu was among eight legislators who scored 9 of 10 possible points, while no legislators received the top score of 10 in the institute’s ranking.

“These are the leaders who fight for free enterprise and limited government every day they are in Hartford,” said Fergus Cullen, executive director of Yankee Institute.

Coutu is running for state Senate in the 19th District against Democratic Sprague First Selectman Cathy Osten. The district covers Ledyard, northeastern Montville, Norwich, Franklin, Lisbon, Lebanon, Sprague, Columbia, Marlborough and Hebron.