ACORN Rates Attorneys General Reaction to Crisis.

New Orleans -- In a new report from ACORN, six attorneys general have stood out for their aggressive response and creative leadership to the nation's growing foreclosure crisis.

The AGs, Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, Martha Coakley of Massachusetts, Andrew Cuomo of New York, Lisa Madigan of Illinois, Tom Miller of Iowa and Lisa Swanson of Minnesota, also earned "A+" grades for actively seeking real data from mortgage servicing companies, pursuing cutting-edge cases against the industry's bad actors, speaking out on matters of state and federal importance, and putting their offices to work for distressed borrowers. All are outspoken advocates for federal bills to help borrowers.

During a conference call about the report, "Attorneys General Take Action: Real Leadership in Fighting Foreclosures," ACORN Financial Justice Center director Austin King praised Mr. Blumenthal for proposing predatory lending legislation in Connecticut. Mr. Blumenthal has established a task force on predatory lending and foreclosure assistance. His office also contributed $10,000 to help train more than 150 attorneys for pro-bono work.

During the conference call, Mr. Blumenthal said his office has been active in investigating investment banks and credit rating agencies and bond insurers that securitize subprime loans. That investigation is challenging working with other states but should produce results soon, he said.

"We have trained people, provided resources and staff to develop advocates who can go to bat for people who are victims or on the verge of foreclosure. We have brought cases against predatory lenders who inflated appraisals and permanently exaggerated values on homes," he said during the call.

"The future is more important. There is a challenge ahead to enlist the federal government in a partnership. This deepening crisis in housing creates an opportunity for a new aggressive way to fight fraud and protect consumers. A new federal state ...