A pro-business legislative scorecard compiled by the Associated Industries of Massachusetts gave Newton Reps. Kay Khan and Ruth Balser and Sen. Cynthia Creem failing scores for their 2003-2004 terms.

According to its Web site, AIM is the largest non-profit, non-partisan association of employers in Massachusetts, and aims to improve the state's economic climate by promoting local business and job growth.

The scorecard, unveiled earlier this month, evaluated the voting record of each state senator and representative to identify legislators that promote a vibrant economy to improve quality of life for their constituents.

"By analyzing legislators' votes on key economic climate and public policy issues, the AIM Scorecard evaluates their understanding of economic realities, and their appreciation of how a favorable business climate can help to attract much-needed new investments in our industries and our people," said Richard Lord, AIM's President and CEO.

Based on nine votes taken in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, AIM said Balser scored just 22 percent. Khan did not fare much better, with a 33 percent rating.

The only Newton legislator to pass the AIM test was Peter Koutoujian, who scored 75 percent.

Sen. Cynthia Creem, scored 33 percent on nine votes taken in the State Senate, according to the scorecard.

Greer Tan Swiston, Khan's Republican opponent in the Nov. election, said the scorecard shows how Khan, Balser and Creem have failed to even try to improve the business climate in Massachusetts.

"It's clear to me that a balance must be found to attract businesses to come and stay in Massachusetts," Swiston said. "It is clear to me that a friendlier business climate means a healthier economy and a healthier economy means a better life for everyone."

But Khan said she doesn't value AIM's approval as highly as she does that of her constituents.

"AIM is an organization that supports the big businesses," Khan said. "The big business lobby opposes lower property taxes for residents, universal health care, universal workers rights, and those are all things that I believe in."

"I feel I represent my constituents, I hear from my constituents frequently on many of these bills I've voted on," she said, adding that the state Legislature has been "extremely helpful to business" over the past decade, and now "business has to step up to the plate."

Balser, meanwhile, said that while she may fail by AIM's standards, she is nearly perfect on score cards prepared by the Massachusetts Teachers Association, environmental organizations, consumer groups and government reform groups.

"My support for a full range of public services doesn't score well on a pro-business scorecard," Balser said. "I would say business here in Massachusetts needs an educated workforce, needs affordable housing for workers."

Creem declined to comment directly on her score, but Sean Kealy, Creem's legal counsel, said AIM's grading methods disappointed the senator.

"I think Sen. Creem should have gotten a higher score," Kealy said. "I don't think 33 percent is a fair representation for all that she has done for the business community."

Kealy said AIM ranked Creem's support for the Senate's economic stimulus bill on par with her opposition to less important bills.

"In nobody's universe were they equal," he said. "She's given business a fair hearing and taken business interests to heart and tried to be fair to everyone."

Andrew Lightman can be reached at andrew.lightman@cnc.com.