Montery Bay, Calif. - Congressman Jim Saxton is being presented today with the Leon Panetta Institute for Public Policy's 9th annual Jefferson-Lincoln Award in Pebble Beach, Calif.

Saxton is being honored along with California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, U.S. Rep. Jane Harman and author/journalist Ron Brownstein. The award ceremony annually honors individuals who've demonstrated independence of judgement and dedication to good governance in addressing our nation's problems and protecting the principles of our democracy.

"I have known and respected Leon Panetta for many years, and I think we both tried to bring civility to the House of Representatives," Saxton said. "Politics on Capitol Hill can be vicious, but it doesn't have to be that way. Good government only occurs when we can put aside conflict, but forthright and carve out common ground. I've tried to be a bridge-builder, whenever possible."