AUGUSTA — Libertarian think tank The Cato Institute has awarded Maine’s governor with its highest grade in its “Fiscal Report Card on America’s Governors.”

Gov. Paul LePage, a Republican, was one of five governors to receive an “A” grade on fiscal policy, and his mark was the highest of the five. The report is based on the governor’s taxing and spending record.

LePage has made budgetary conservatism a focus of his six years as governor.

The other governors to receive an “A” were Pat McCrory of North Carolina, Rick Scott of Florida, Doug Ducey of Arizona and vice presidential candidate Mike Pence of Indiana. All are Republicans.

The Cato Institute is headquartered in Washington, D.C. and its founders include Charles Koch, chief executive officer of Koch Industries.