LCV Action Fund's 
2004 Congressional Endorsements

Each election year, LCV endorses federal candidates in key races across the country who stand up for the environment. Below is a listing of LCV's 2004 Congressional Endorsements.

Denotes that the candidate is one of LCV's Environmental Champions.

 Denotes candidate victory

Endorsements by state:

Arizona
Paul Babbitt for Arizona's 1st District
LCV is proud to endorse Coconino County supervisor Paul Babbitt (D) to challenge Rick Renzi (R) for the U.S. House of Representatives in Arizona's 1st district. Babbitt is the former Mayor of Flagstaff and brother of former Gov. and Clinton Administration Interior Secretary, Bruce Babbitt. During his 25 years in public service, Paul Babbitt has been a leader on environmental issues in rural Arizona. Babbitt worked to preserve Dry Lake, an extinct volcano that has developed into an important wetlands habitat and led the effort to save critical areas around Walnut Canyon National Monument. He created the Coconino Rural Environmental Corps (CREC), which funds education for students working on forest environment projects. If elected to Congress, Babbitt has pledged to protect communities from fire through sustainable management practices. He is opposed to the Bush Administration's so-called "Healthy Forest Initiative," which lets logging companies cut down large trees while ignoring sustainable community protection measures. Babbitt's opponent, freshman Rick Renzi (R) has a poor environmental record after is first term in office, he scored a meager 5% on the LCV National Environmental Scorecard. This race is considered a toss-up. If you would like more information on this race or you would like to support Paul Babbitt's campaign, please contact Vivien Braslau at vivien_braslau@lcv.org or by phone at (202) 454-4585

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 Rep. Raul Grijalva for Arizona's 7th District
LCV has endorsed Democrat Raul Grijalva for reelection in Arizona's 7th Congressional District. As a freshman member, Grijalva has already established an impressive record on environmental protection.  He has worked to protect public lands, provide funds for National Parks, and enact responsible forest policies.  The Congressman has been an especially vocal critic of President Bush's "Healthy Forests" initiative, which promotes logging large fire-resistant trees in the backcountry.  Because of his consistent advocacy on conservation affairs, Grijalva earned a perfect 100 percent rating on LCV's 2003 National Environmental Scorecard.  If you would like more information on this race, or you live in Arizona and would like to help with this campaign, please contact Vivien Braslau at vivien_braslau@lcv.org or by phone at (202) 454-4558 Read LCV's Press Release

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Sen. John McCain for Arizona Senate
LCV has endorsed Republican John McCain for reelection in the U. S. Senate to represent Arizona. Senator McCain has been a leader on global warming, a strong voice of reason against drilling in the Arctic Wildlife Refuge, and has voiced his opposition to the Bush/Cheney Energy Bill. He is the lead sponsor on the bipartisan McCain-Lieberman Climate Stewardship Act of 2003 that would require a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions to 2000 levels by the year 2010. Senator McCain said, "We must take action, and act appropriately. Many have hidden for too long behind what we do not know or the uncertainties around climate change. Their shield is shrinking." The Senator voted against an amendment that would have opened the Arctic Refuge to oil drilling and in a letter addressed to the President said, "I have thought long and hard about this debate and the vote that I will cast. I still hope we can achieve a more balanced national energy strategy, but I am not convinced that a key component of that policy should be to drill in ANWR." Before voting against the Energy Bill, he sent a letter to Congress stating his opposition to the manner in which the bill was developed, he said, "One of the other problems that I have with this bill is the way in which it was developed. This secretive, exclusive process has lead to a 1200 page monstrosity that is chock full of special interest giveaways and exemptions from environmental and other laws that frankly can´ withstand the light of scrutiny." If you would like to support Senator McCain's campaign, please contact Vivien Braslau at vivien_braslau@lcv.org.

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California

Sen. Barbara Boxer for California Senate
LCV has endorsed Democrat Barbara Boxer for reelection to the U.S. Senate representing California. Senator Boxer earned an 89% on the LCV National Environmental Scorecard in 2003. As a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, she has been the sponsor of many of the important environmental bills included in the LCV Scorecard. In March 2003, the Senate approved Boxer's amendment to strike a provision in the 2004 budget resolution that included revenues from drilling in the Arctic Refuge. Throughout her career, Senator Boxer has also been a leader in protecting California's coastal waters. In September 2002, the Senate passed her amendment halting development of oil leases off the coast of California. Senator Boxer has a sizable lead over her challenger former Secretary of State Bill Jones, who is receiving support from Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and the White House.If you are interested in supporting Senator Boxer's campaign or would like more information on her record, please contact Vivien Braslau at vivien_braslau@lcv.org

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Rep. Barbara Lee for California's 9th Congressional District
LCV has endorsed Democrat Barbara Lee for reelection in California's 9th Congressional District. Since 1998, Barbara Lee has been a leader in Congress fighting for the environment on behalf of one of the most liberal districts in the US. Lee's lifetime environmental voting record of 98% and leadership on environmental legislation reflects her dedication to environmental causes. During the House debate of the Bush administration's energy bill, Lee supported legislation that would substantially increase investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency, fought to protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge from oil drilling, and opposed billions of dollars in tax breaks for the coal, oil, and nuclear industries. In 2004, Congresswoman Lee spoke up in support of the environment when she referred to the Bush 2005 fiscal-year budget as a "natural disaster" given that it would cut six percent from environmental programs and 7.2% from the EPA. If you would like more information on this race, or you would like to support her campaign, please contact Vivien Braslau at vivien_braslau@lcv.org or by phone at (202) 454 - 4585.
 Read LCV's Press Release

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 Rep. George Miller for California's 7th district
LCV has endorsed Democrat George Miller for reelection in California's 7th district. George Miller has represented San Francisco's East Bay in Congress since 1975 and earned a reputation as an outspoken leader on behalf of the environment. As former chairman and senior Democrat on the House Resources Committee, some of his greatest environmental accomplishments are the protection of our nation's public lands. He led the effort to pass the landmark 1994 California Desert Protection Act, and in the 108th Congress, Miller fought the Bush administration's so-called Healthy Forests Restoration Act by offering a substitute amendment to protect communities from wildfire without sacrificing environmental protection or public participation. Miller also voted against drilling in the Arctic, to protect the Tongass National Forest in Alaska from road development, and to prevent the Bush administration from regulatory changes to the National Forest Management Act that will weaken wildlife and forest protections. In his 15 terms in Congress, Miller has earned an LCV lifetime score of 87%. If you are interested in supporting his campaign or would like more information on his record, please contact Vivien Braslau at vivien_braslau@lcv.org.

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Rep. Nancy Pelosi for California's 8th District
LCV has endorsed House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi for reelection in California's 8th Congressional District. Since becoming minority leader in 2002, Congresswoman Pelosi has elevated the profile of environmental issues for California and the nation. She has been an outspoken critic of the Bush Administration's environmental policies on a wide range of issues including the Administration's proposal to weaken mercury regulations, the Bush proposal to include revenue from oil drilling in the Arctic refuge to the 2005 budget, the exemption of Alaska's Tongass National Forest from the roadless rule, and the Administration's opposition to reinstating the polluter pays tax to fund Superfund clean ups. In the past few months, Pelosi has cosponsored legislation to expand wilderness areas in the west. For her consistent support of environmental protection, Pelosi received a 90% on the 2003 LCV National Environmental Scorecard. If you would like more information on this race or you would like to support her campaign, please contact Vivien Braslau at vivien_braslau@lcv.org.
 Read LCV's Press Release

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Rep. Linda Sanchez for California's 39th District
LCV has endorsed Linda Sanchez (D) for reelection to the House seat in California's 39th district.  In her first term in Congress, Sanchez has demonstrated a strong commitment to the environment and earned a score of 95% on LCV's National Environmental Scorecard. She voted against the Bush-Cheney Energy Policy, opposed drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and offshore in sensitive coastal areas, and has worked to keep important Clean Air and Water Act standards in place.  Of note, Rep. Sanchez voted to maintain a Clean Air Act policy requiring areas with unhealthy air to reduce ozone pollution by strict statutory deadlines. If those deadlines are not met, more time can be given in exchange for adopting more rigorous air pollution measures. Sanchez voted to maintain this provision. "The residents of the 39th District deserve the best environmental protections, particularly when it comes to ozone pollution. Southern California is nationally known for its high levels of air pollution.  I believe it is vital to pass legislation and fund programs that will improve California$s air quality now and for the future, " said Sz. Rep. Sanchez, a lawyer, serves on the House Judiciary Committee and on the House Committee on Government Reform.  If you are interested in supporting Linda Sanchez's campaign or attending campaign events, please contact Vivien Braslau at vivien_braslau@lcv.org or by phone at (202) 454 - 4585.

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Rep. Hilda Solis for California's 32nd District
LCV is proud to endorse Rep. Hilda Solis for re-election in the 32nd Congressional District of California. Rep. Solis is in her second term in Congress and has already established herself as an important environmental leader earning a 100% score on the 2003 LCV Scorecard. Solis' legislative priorities have focused on protecting current open space and revitalizing neglected areas. Solis co-authored the Environmental Justice Act of 2003, which would require Federal agencies to consider environmental justice concerns in all their activities. She is the author of legislation signed into law on July 1, 2003 that will look for ways to preserve green, open and recreational space in the San Gabriel Valley watershed. Solis has also worked to protect public lands, authoring the Southern California Wild Heritage Wilderness Act, which would permanently protect 1.5 million acres of wilderness in Southern California for future generations to enjoy. Solis has opposed the Bush/Cheney Energy Policy, has sought funding to clean-up MTBE contamination and the continued clean up of Superfund sites and strongly supports increasing CAFE Standards and improving fuel efficiency. Solis record in Congress reflects her commitment to improving the quality of life for her constituents and her recognition of the connection between the environment and human health. Solis is a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee which deals with pollution related issues. If you would like more information on this race or would like to support Hilda Solis campaign, please contact Vivien Braslau at vivien_braslau@lcv.org or by phone at (202) 454 - 4585.

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Rep. Mike Thompson for California's 1st District
LCV has endorsed Democrat Mike Thompson for reelection in California's 1st Congressional District. Congressman Thompson has been a notable leader, working to make sure there is adequate water available in water-scarce areas of Northern California. He is the prime sponsor of the Northern California Coastal Wild Heritage Wilderness Act to designate 300,000 acres of public land as wilderness and protect 21 miles of the Black Butte River to help threatened salmon and trout populations. He introduced the Klamath River Basin Restoration and Emergency Assistance Act to conserve water in the Klamath River basin and to provide emergency disaster assistance to fishermen, Indian tribes, small businesses, and others that suffered economic harm from the devastating effects of the Klamath River basin fish kill of 2002. In addition, Congressman Thompson realizes the importance of recycling computer waste and has introduced legislation to establish a grant program through the EPA to encourage and promote the recycling of used computers. If you would like more information on his record or you would like to support Rep. Thompson, please contact Vivien Braslau at vivien_braslau@lcv.org
 Read LCV's Press Release

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 Rep. Henry Waxman for California's 30th District
LCV has endorsed Democrat Henry Waxman for reelection in California's 30th district. Henry Waxman has provided key leadership on a wide variety of key environmental issues from global warming to safe drinking water in his more than 20 years in the House of Representatives. He helped craft the Safe Drinking Water Amendments of 1996 and served as a member of the House Delegation to the Climate Conference in Kyoto Japan in 1997. In 1990, Waxman was a sponsor of the Clean Air Act Amendments, which established programs to deal with smog, acid rain, and ozone depletion, and in 2003, he continued his clean air leadership by sponsoring an amendment to reduce polluting emissions from power plants. This consistent environmental leadership has earned him a lifetime LCV score of 89%. Congressman Waxman will continue to fight for public health and environmental protection if re-elected. If you are interested in supporting his campaign or would like more information on his record, please contact Vivien Braslau at vivien_braslau@lcv.org.

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Colorado

State Rep. John Salazar for Colorado's 3rd District
LCV is proud to endorse state Representative John Salazar (D) for election to the U.S. House of Representatives in Colorado's 3rd district. State Rep. Salazar worked on a variety of environmental issues in Colorado and earned an 82% on Colorado Conservation Voters' Scorecard for 2003. Salazar voted to prevent clear-cutting, to protect water quality and to promote water conservation. Most notably, Salazar was a leader on a bi-partisan effort in Colorado to defeat a dam-building initiative on last November's ballot called Referendum A, which would have created a $2 billion state loan program and siphoned off water in rural Colorado for urban areas. Salazar has pledged to continue to fight to protect the Western Slope's water resources if elected to Congress. In the state House, Salazar has been a strong advocate of developing renewable energy sources such as wind, solar and biomass, and has cosponsored legislation to do so in the state legislature. Salazar has said that he would continue to push for more investments in renewable sources of energy as a key way to stimulate economic growth in the 3rd Congressional district, while encouraging farmers to stay on their land and to decrease the nation's reliance on foreign sources of energy. If you would like more information on this race or you live in Colorado and would like to volunteer for John Salazar's campaign or attend campaign events, please contact Vivien Braslau at vivien_braslau@lcv.org or by phone at (202) 454 - 4585.
 Read LCV's Press Release

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CO Attorney General Ken Salazar for Colorado Senate
LCV is proud to endorse Colorado Attorney General Ken Salazar (D) for election in Colorado's Democratic Senatorial primary. Mr. Salazar has impressive environmental credentials and has called for a sustained national effort to reduce America's dependence on imported oil by focusing on renewable and alternative energy sources. Mr. Salazar led the effort to create Great Outdoors Colorado conservation program, and as head of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources reformed the state's mining, gas and oil laws. As Attorney General, among other notable accomplishments, Salazar created the first-ever Environmental Prosecutions Unit and fought against Colorado "Referendum A," a misguided water-use ballot measure that was eventually voted down in all 64 counties. If you are interested in supporting his campaign or would like more information on his record, please contact Vivien Braslau at vivien_braslau@lcv.org.
 Read LCV's Press Release

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Rep. Mark Udall for Colorado's 2nd Congressional District
LCV has endorsed Rep. Mark Udall for reelection in Colorado's 2nd district. As a member of the House Resources Committee, Rep. Mark Udall has championed a number of environmental and energy issues. In 2003, he sponsored legislation to protect water quality and surface owner rights from the impacts of oil and gas drilling, especially coal-bed methane (CBM) gas. Instead of the deeply flawed proposals in the House Energy bill that allow polluters off the hook for groundwater contamination, Rep. Udall's legislation safeguards water resources for farmers and ranchers. If you are interested in supporting his campaign or would like more information on his record, please contact Vivien Braslau at vivien_braslau@lcv.org.
 Read LCV's Press Release

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Connecticut

Rep. Rosa DeLauro for Connecticut's 3rd District
LCV has endorsed Rep. Rosa DeLauro for re-election in the 3rd Congressional District of Connecticut. During her seven terms in Congress, Rep. DeLauro's work has improved the quality of life of her constituents and contributed to the preservation of America's natural resources for future generations, earning her a remarkable 95% lifetime LCV score.  As a member of the House Appropriations and House Budget Committees, DeLauro secured funds for the purchase of the Great Meadow Salt Marsh, the final critical piece of land that completes the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge in Connecticut. She sponsored legislation to enable local towns to more easily access federal funds for wastewater treatment plants as part of a larger effort to restore the water quality of Long Island Sound. In addition to her environmental successes locally, DeLauro has been a prominent voice on the national stage. She has fought the Bush Administration's proposal to alter the "roadless rule", which will allow timber companies access to millions of acres of pristine forests. In 2003, DeLauro sponsored the Alaska Rainforest Conservation Act, that would give permanent protection to nearly 14 million acres and 81 river systems of the Chugach and Tongass National Forests in Alaska, while still permitting small-scale timber operators to log areas already containing logging roads.  If you would like to support her campaign, please contact Vivien Braslau at vivien_braslau@lcv.org.

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 Rep. Nancy Johnson for Connecticut's 5th District
LCV has endorsed Republican Nancy Johnson for reelection in the 5th district of Connecticut. In her 21 years in the House, Nancy Johnson has established herself as an advocate for the protection of open space and wild areas in her native Connecticut: she worked to designate the Connecticut River as an American Heritage River and secured funding in the state to protect a forest with old growth conifer stands. Johnson has also served as the Republican leader in the fight to protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge from drilling. Johnson emphasized this commitment to the Arctic Refuge in a letter to her House colleagues in which she stated that "the Arctic Refuge is the only intact mountain-to-sea ecosystem left in America and should be protected, not exploited." If you are interested in supporting her campaign or would like more information on her record, please contact Vivien Braslau at vivien_braslau@lcv.org.

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Rep. Christopher Shays for Connecticut's 4th District
LCV is proud to endorse Rep. Christopher Shays (R) for reelection in the 4th Congressional District of Connecticut. In his 17 years in Congress, Rep. Shays environmental voting record ranks among the top 5% of U.S. House of Representatives Members, with an outstanding record of voting for the environment 93% of the time. Shays was named an LCV Environmental Champion in 2000 and in 2002. Rep. Shays has said that his position on the environment is one of the things that define him as a moderate Republican. In 2003, Shays opposed a number of anti-environmental Bush administration initiatives including the "Healthy Forest Initiative" and Clean Water Act exemptions for the oil and gas industry. Shays voted against the Bush/Cheney energy bill for clauses that would open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling and said, "I find it unconscionable that we would now consider despoiling one of North America's last great wilderness areas, when we are unwilling to take even the smallest steps towards slowing the growth in demand for energy resources." He has also been a strong voice in support of the development of a national renewable portfolio standard and increased fuel efficiency standards. Shays has been an important environmental leader on issues in his district. As a member of the bipartisan Long Island Sound Caucus, he has worked to protect coastal areas along the estuary that have significant biological and recreational value. Shays is facing a serious general election challenge against Democrat Westport First Selectwoman Diane Farrell. If you would like more information about this race, or would like to support or volunteer for Congressman Shay's campaign, please contact Vivien Braslau at vivien_braslau@lcv.org or by phone at (202) 454 - 4585.
 Read LCV's Press Release

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Rep. Rob Simmons for Connecticut's 2nd District
LCV has endorsed Republican Rep. Rob Simmons for reelection in Connecticut's 2nd Congressional District. Rep. Simmons has a record of independence, and has voted in support of many pro-conservation measures. He has consistently voted against drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and to maintain the Roadless Area Conservation Rule that would prevent roads from being built in America's National Forests. These roads degrade rivers and wildlife habitat, and most are built to benefit the logging industry at taxpayer's expense. In his home state, Rep. Simmons has sponsored successful legislation to protect the waters and lands surrounding the Eightmile River, and introduced the Long Island Sound Stewardship Act of 2004, which identifies ecologically valuable sites for preservation. Congressman Simmons faces a serious challenge against former Norwich Councilor Jim Sullivan. If you would like more information on this race or you would like to support Congressman Simmons' campaign, please contact Vivien Braslau at vivien_braslau@lcv.org
 Read LCV's Press Release

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Delaware

Rep. Mike Castle for Delaware's at large seat
LCV has endorsed Michael Castle (R) for reelection to Delaware's at-large House seat.  Castle has been a strong supporter of energy conservation and investment in alternative energy sources.  He has opposed the Bush Administration plan to drill in the Arctic Refuge, open up old growth forests to new roads and harvesting, and the forest management schemes that jeopardize the integrity of these valuable ecosystems while serving special corporate interests.  In addition to his votes on important national environmental issues, Rep. Castle has been a particularly powerful advocate of land conservation in Delaware.  He has worked to increase funding for Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge and Redden State Forest.  He has also worked aggressively to improve water quality, particularly along coastal areas and beaches, by supporting improved wastewater treatment facilities, water quality measurement and beach replenishment.  If you are interested in supporting Mike Castle's campaign or attending campaign events, please contact Vivien Braslau at vivien_braslau@lcv.org or by phone at (202) 454 - 4585.

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Florida
Betty Castor for Florida Senate
LCV has endorsed Democrat Betty Castor running for the U. S. Senate open seat to represent Florida. Former state Senator Castor is in one of the closest Senate races in the country running against former Bush Administration HUD official Mel Martinez (R). Ms. Castor has a long history of support for environmental protection and conservation. In the 1970's, she founded Gl? clean. As a member of the Florida Cabinet she worked for Everglades protection, for preservation of endangered lands, and energy conservation, and was awarded ®servationist of the Year?a Audubon Society in 1993 for her outstanding leadership on environmental protection. If elected to Congress, Castor will fight to keep Florida coasts free from oil pollution by opposing offshore oil and gas drilling. She will continue to protect the Everglades and believes that the federal government must ensure funding for restoration of the Everglades as a high priority. Betty Castor will be an environmental leader. If you would like more information on Betty Castor's race or would like to support her campaign, please contact Vivien Braslau at vivien_braslau@lcv.org

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Rep. Jim Davis for Florida's 11th District
LCV has endorsed Democrat Jim Davis for reelection in Florida's 11th Congressional District. Rep. Davis is a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and has taken a lead role to keep the Bush/Cheney energy bill free from provisions that would lead to drilling off of Florida's coasts. The Congressman sent President Bush a letter asking him to clarify his position on offshore drilling in Florida. 4he President intends to honor his commitment to protect Florida's shores, then he should send a strong message to drilling proponents in Congress and his Administration by promising to veto any energy bill that weakens states rights to fight drilling operations that threaten America 's coastal treasures.? concerned about air quality and cosponsored H.R. 1256, the Clean Smokestacks Act of 2003, which would limit all four of the hazardous emissions from power plants. If you would like more information on Rep. Davis record or you would like to support his campaign, please contact Vivien Braslau at vivien_braslau@lcv.org

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State Senator Debbie Wasserman Schultz for Florida's 20th District
LCV has endorsed state Senator Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D) for the open seat in Florida's 20th Congressional District. Wasserman Schultz has a strong environmental record as a state legislator. The Florida LCV awarded Wasserman Schultz its highest "Gold Star Award" for environmental leadership. She sponsored legislation to fight for the endangered Florida manatee, to ban arsenic-treated wood from public playgrounds, and proposed amendments to control urban sprawl. If elected to the House, Wasserman Schultz says she will help lead the fight for restoration of the Everglades, which is her top environmental priority. Wasserman Schultz is a rising star in Florida politics and is heavily favored to defeat Republican activist Margaret Hostetter, due to the demographics of the district. If you would like more information on this race or you would like to support the Wasserman Schultz campaign, please contact Vivien Braslau at vivien_braslau@lcv.org.

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Georgia

John Barrow for Georgia's 12th District
LCV is proud to endorse Athens County Commissioner John Barrow (D) for the U.S. House of Representatives in Georgia's 12th district in the July 20th primary election. Barrow's distinguished record of public service includes a demonstrated commitment to protecting the environment and preserving the conservation ethic of his district. Barrow has been a leading advocate of clean water, advocating for increasing stream buffers to inhibit run-off and erosion. He has fought urban sprawl through strengthening rural zoning districts, and has promoted smart growth in his area by adopting conservation subdivision standards. Having grown up in Clarke County, Georgia, Barrow has a great respect and appreciation for his heritage and way of life and believes he has a responsibility to preserve and protect the quality of our land, air and water for our children and their children. If elected, Barrow has pledged to fight the Bush Administration's efforts to shift the cost of cleanup from polluters to taxpayers. Barrow will fight to raise fuel efficiency standards and improve tax incentives to stimulate demand for advanced vehicle technologies such as hybrid and fuel cell vehicles. Barrow believes that our national energy policy must not destroy our environmental heritage and he opposes drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. If you would like more information on this race or you live in Georgia and would like to volunteer for John Barrow's campaign or attend campaign events, please contact Vivien Braslau at vivien_braslau@lcv.org or by phone at (202) 454 - 4585
 Read LCV's Press Release

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Rep. John Lewis for Georgia's 5th District
LCV has endorsed Rep. John Lewis for reelection to the House seat in Georgia's 5th district.  Rep. Lewis courageous leadership throughout his life, from the civil rights movement in the 60s, to his service in Congress, extends to the environment.  As a member of the House Budget Committee, and House Ways and Means Committee where he serves on the Health Subcommittee, Lewis has spoken out in opposition to the Barton amendment, which would weaken the Clean Air Act and was included in the energy bill conference report.  Atlanta has struggled to meet Clean Air Act standards and Lewis recognizes that weakening the Clean Air Act would ultimately result in additional asthma attacks, hospitalizations, emergency room visits and new cases of asthma that otherwise could be avoided.  m strongly opposed to this kind of proposal,?man Lewis, ¤ I will continuously vote against these additions as we consider Clean Air legislation next year?s 18 years of service in Congress Rep. Lewis has worked to enhance the quality of life for his constituents, recognizing the fundamental connection between environmental quality and human health.  He remains a powerful voice for the environment and for the people of Georgia's 5th district.  If you are interested in supporting his campaign,  please contact Vivien Braslau at vivien_braslau@lcv.org or by phone at (202) 454 - 4585.

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Cynthia McKinney for Georgia's 4th District
LCV has endorsed Democrat Cynthia McKinney for the open house seat in Georgia's 4th Congressional District.  Former Rep. McKinney earned an outstanding 92% lifetime score on LCV's National Environmental Scorecard during her 10 years in office, from 1992 to 2002.  Her leadership on environmental justice issues, clean air, and safe drinking water made her an invaluable environmental advocate while she was in Congress.  She discovered that there were 18 landfills in her district and requested both the Georgia Environmental Protection Division and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to address questions of environmental discrimination and to study the potential adverse health effects associated with living near landfills.  If you would like to support Cynthia McKinney's campaign, please contact Vivien Braslau at vivien_braslau@lcv.org

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Illinois

Rep. Rahm Emanuel for Illinois's 5th District
LCV has endorsed Democrat Rahm Emanuel for reelection in the 5th Congressional District of Illinois. Although a freshman member of Congress, Emanuel has proven to be a strong advocate of environmental issues. He received a near-perfect 95% on his first LCV National Environmental Scorecard and cosponsored a number of important environmental bills on a variety of issues including protecting public lands from snowmobiles and improving water quality. His signature initiative in his first term is his sponsorship of the Great Lakes Restoration Fund, which would provide significant funds to "restore and preserve the Lakes for future generations of Americans." Congressman Emanuel is a member of the important Budget Committee and serves as Democratic whip. If you would like more information on this race or you would like to support his campaign, please contact Vivien Braslau at vivien_braslau@lcv.org.

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Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr. Illinois's 2nd District
LCV has endorsed Democrat Jesse Jackson, Jr. for reelection in the second district of Illinois. Over the past 10 years in Congress, Jackson has established himself as a strong advocate for environmental causes. He represents a heavily industrialized district in Chicago, and is concerned with environmental justice issues. In Rep. Jackson's book, A More Perfect Union, he discusses his support for the right to a clean, safe, and sustainable environment. Jackson has an outstanding 97% lifetime LCV score. If you would like to support his campaign or want more information, please contact Vivien Braslau at vivien_braslau@lcv.org.
 Read LCV's Press Release 

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 Rep. Tim Johnson for Illinois's 15th District
LCV has endorsed Republican Timothy Johnson for reelection in the 15th district of Illinois. Since his first election in 2000, Johnson has been a strong supporter of public lands and forest protection in the House. In 2003, Johnson opposed the so-called "Healthy Forest Initiative" recognizing it as a pretext to log more trees in National Forests. Rep. Johnson was also a leader to protect wildlife in our national parks, voting against using federal funds to kill bison that leave Yellowstone National Park boundaries. He also cosponsored legislation to protect Yellowstone National Park from polluting off-road vehicles. If you are interested in supporting Timothy Johnson's campaign or want more information, please contact Vivien Braslau at vivien_braslau@lcv.org.
 Read LCV's Press Release 

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Rep. Mark Kirk for Illinois's 10th District
LCV is proud to endorse Rep. Mark Kirk (R) for reelection to the U.S. House of Representatives in Illinois's 10th district. In his first two terms in Congress, Rep. Kirk has played a pivotal leadership role to defend the Great Lakes from mercury pollution and with Rep. Rahm Emanuel (D-IL-5) sponsored the Great Lakes Restoration Act (H.R. 2720), a bill to reduce pollution, stop the spread of invasive species, protect coastal wetlands and insure the sustainable use of water resources in the Great Lakes. Rep. Kirk sponsored the Great Lakes Mercury Elimination Act (H.R.5261) that would not allow construction of new facilities that would emit mercury and affect the Great Lakes. "Airborne mercury pollution is an issue which the Federal Government has ignored in years past. Further mercury pollution of the Great Lakes will irreparably damage our fragile ecosystem", Kirk said. At the national level, Rep. Kirk has taken important positions against the Bush administration Energy Policy, including his opposition to drilling in the Arctic Refuge and continued over-dependence on nonrenewable energy. He has supported increasing CAFE standards to encourage the adoption of more fuel-efficient technologies and has voted to protect National Forests by supporting the continuation of the Roadless Rule. In a short time, Rep. Kirk has established himself as an important advocate for improving the health and quality of life of his constituents and for the long-term interests of our country. He earned a solid 80% in LCV's 2003 National Environmental Scorecard. If you would like more information on this race or you would like to support Mark Kirk's campaign, please contact Vivien Braslau at vivien_braslau@lcv.org or by phone at (202) 454 - 4585
 Read LCV's Press Release

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 Barack Obama for Illinois Senate
LCV is pleased to endorse Illinois State Senator Barack Obama (D) for the U.S. Senate. During his time in the state Senate Obama has demonstrated a strong commitment to clean air, clean water, and environmental justice issues. If elected, Barack Obama has committed to fight global warming, regulate waste from concentrated animal feeding operations and work for clean air. If you would like more information on this race or you live in Illinois and would like to volunteer for Barack Obama's campaign or attend campaign events, please contact Vivien Braslau at vivien_braslau@lcv.org or by phone at (202) 454 - 4585.
 Read LCV's Press Release
 LCV launches independent campaign for "rising star" Obama
 Watch LCV's ad supporting Barack Obama (Real Media)

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 Indiana

 Rep. Julia Carson for Indiana's 7th District
LCV has endorsed Democrat Julia Carson for reelection in Indiana's 7th Congressional District. Congresswoman Carson has been a steady supporter of environmental programs in her 8 years in Congress, and has consistently received high scores on the LCV National Environmental Scorecard, including a 95% in 2003. During her tenure in Congress, Carson, who serves on the Transportation Committee, has sponsored air quality legislation to address high rates of adult asthma, and pollution from power plants that are problems in her district. Carson helped end the sale of arsenic treated lumber by sponsoring legislation to require the wood industry to label products treated with the poison. In this Congress, Carson was a cosponsor of the Morris K. Udall Wilderness Act of 2003 to designate the coastal plain of the Arctic Refuge as permanent wilderness. " The Arctic Refuge is a priceless piece of American wilderness...it belongs not to one state, one industry or one president; it belongs to every American," the Congresswoman stated. If you would like more information on this race or you would like to support the Carson campaign, please contact Vivien Braslau at vivien_braslau@lcv.org. 

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Rep. Baron Hill for Indiana's 9th District
LCV has endorsed Democrat Baron Hill for reelection in the 9th Congressional District of Indiana. Elected in 1998, Congressman Hill has been a supporter of protecting the Clean Water Act, and has supported legislation to protect our national forests, including Hoosier National Forest. He supported an important amendment to the 2004 Interior Appropriations bill that would prevent the administration from implementing proposed changes to the National Forest Management Act. Hill has fought attempts by the current administration to weaken the Clean Water Act and last December, he signed a bipartisan congressional letter, urging the EPA not to reduce the number of protected wetlands, which would have led to increased and unregulated pollution of streams and wetlands. Congressman Hill's record of voting for the environment earned him a near perfect 95% LCV score in 2003. He faces a rematch against Republican Mike Sodrel, whom he defeated by only 5% in 2002. Sodrel is getting help from the White House and fundraising visits from VP Dick Cheney, and Majority Leader Tom DeLay. If you would like more information on this race, or you would like to support Congressman Hill's campaign, please contact Vivien Braslau at vivien_braslau@lcv.org or call her at (202)-454-4585.

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Jon Jennings for Indiana's 8th District
LCV has endorsed Democrat Jon Jennings for the open seat in Indiana's 8th Congressional District.  Mr. Jennings is a former pro basketball recruiter who is challenging Congressman John Hostettler (R) for his congressional seat.  Rep. Hostettler was elected in 1994, and since elected has earned the dismal LCV score of 12%.   The district is made up of important waterways: the Ohio and Wabash Rivers, their tributaries and lakes.  Mr. Jennings has pledged to protect and strengthen the Clean Water Act so future generations of Hoosiers will have clean water to drink and be able to enjoy fishing, boating, and swimming in Indiana's magnificent rivers and streams.  He believes that development and environmental protections are not mutually exclusive.  If elected to Congress, his environmental priorities will be to preserve the effectiveness of the Clean Air and Water Acts, reduce America's dependence on foreign oil, protect national forests,  and restart the Superfund program.  If you would like more information on Mr. Jennings race, or you would like to support his campaign, please contact Vivien Braslau at vivien_braslau@lcv.org

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 Iowa

 Rep. Jim Leach for Iowa's 2nd District
LCV has endorsed Republican Jim Leach for reelection in Iowa's 2nd Congressional District. Jim Leach has been a consistent advocate for environmental protection and responsible energy policy through out his 26-year career in the House.  His leadership has been particularly strong on protecting public lands and reducing air and water pollution.  Air quality in Leach's southeastern Iowa district is among the worst in the state.  He supported a 2003 measure that would have forced polluted areas to adopt more stringent ozone clean-up controls.  Leach also co-sponsored the Clean Water Authority Restoration Act to ensure all the nation's waterways are protected. In 2002, Leach was named as an LCV Environmental Champion and has earned 90 percent on LCV's 2003 National Environmental Scorecard.  If you would like more information on this race, please contact Vivien Braslau at vivien_braslau@lcv.org or by phone at (202) 454 - 4585.
Read LCV's Press Release

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Kansas

Rep. Dennis Moore for Kansas's 3rd District
LCV has endorsed Democrat Dennis Moore for reelection in Kansas's 3rd Congressional District.  Congressman Moore has championed legislation to protect air quality,  water quality and to protect environmentally sensitive lands from oil drilling.  In fact his votes to protect the environment have earned him an outstanding lifetime score of 88% on LCV's National Environmental Scorecard.  Rep. Moore is a strong supporter of renewable energy to lessen our dependence on foreign sources of oil and has supported tax incentives for renewable ethanol, wind power, and building  energy efficient homes.  He has also stood up to polluters by supporting strong clean air standards.  This Congress, he fought for clean air in the Kansas City area by voting against a measure that would have delayed standards for smog clean up.  This is especially important since the Kansas City area suffers from air quality problems and has earned a "C" grade from the American Lung Association. Congressman Moore is rated as one of the most vulnerable members of Congress this cycle, and is facing anti-environmental candidate Kris Kobach who recently worked as counsel for John Ashcroft at the Department of  Justice.  If you would like more information on this race, or would like to support Congressman Moore's campaign, please contact Vivien Braslau at vivien_braslau@lcv.org
 Read LCV's Press Release

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Kentucky

 Ben Chandler for Kentucky's 6th Congressional District
LCV has endorsed former Kentucky Attorney General and gubernatorial candidate Ben Chandler (D) in his February 17th special election. In his pursuit of the Congressional seat from Kentucky's 6th District, Chandler faces a challenge from state Senator Alice Forgy-Kerr (R). Kerr routinely voted against improving quality of life and has supported big business demands over the needs of the people of Kentucky. In contrast, as Kentucky's Attorney General, Chandler battled major out-of-state oil interests to protect Breaks Interstate Parks from oil development and pollution. If elected, Ben Chandler will support policies that lead to cleaner air and cleaner water without raising taxes. If you would like more information on this race, or live in Kentucky and are interested in volunteering for Ben Chandler's campaign, or attending campaign events, please contact Vivien Braslau at vivien_braslau@lcv.org or by phone at (202) 454 - 4585.
 Read LCV's Press Release
 Read about LCV's independent campaign
See LCV's ad supporting Ben Chandler (Real Media)

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Nick Clooney for Kentucky's 4th District
LCV has endorsed Democrat Nick Clooney for election in the open seat Kentucky's 4th Congressional District.  Mr. Clooney grew up in Northern Kentucky and has had a long and distinguished career as a reporter and television journalist working for the Cincinnati and Kentucky Post. Growing up on the Ohio River, Mr. Clooney understands the importance of clean water to Kentuckian's quality of life, and to develop jobs and the economy. If elected to Congress, Clooney has said that he will reaffirm the historic scope of the Clean Water Act to protect all of the nation's waters.   He believes that forests should be managed for the public's benefit and not special interests. Mr. Clooney is the father of actor George Clooney and the brother of the late singer Rosemary Clooney. His Republican challenger is businessman Geoff Davis who won his 2004 primary with 58% of the vote in a three way primary, and narrowly lost the 2002 general election to retiring Congressman Ken Lucas, 51% to 48%.  This race is considered to be one of the closest in the country, and is rated as a toss-up race.  If you would like more information or to support Nick Clooney's campaign, please contact Vivien Braslau at vivien_braslau@lcv.org.

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Maine

Rep. Mike Michaud for Maine's 2nd District
LCV has endorsed Democrat Mike Michaud for reelection in Maine's 2nd Congressional District.  In his first session of the 108th Congress, Congressman Michaud earned an 85% on LCV's National Environmental Scorecard.  He has been a leading spokesman against the Administration's attempts to weaken the Clean Air Act and proposals to weaken mercury regulations.  Maine receives much of its air and mercury pollution from out-moded power plants operating in the Midwest.  The Congressman cosponsored legislation that would force these plants to meet modern standards and has been singled out by Democratic Leadership as a leader on the issue of cleaning up toxic mercury.  Rep. Michaud has also secured $3.5 million in the FY 2004 Interior Appropriations bill to conserve land along the Machias River and Tumbledown Mountain for recreation and sustainable forestry to protect jobs in Maine's woods.  Rep. Michaud faces a serious challenge from Loring Development Authority President, Brian Hamel (R).  If you would like to support Congressman Michaud's campaign, or would like more information on his record, please contact Vivien Braslau at vivien_braslau@lcv.org

Maryland

Rep. Steny Hoyer for Maryland's 5th District
LCV has endorsed Minority Whip Steny Hoyer for reelection in Maryland's 5th Congressional District. In this leadership post, he has supported quality of life measures for southwestern Maryland and the nation. As a Member of the Appropriations Committee, Congressman Hoyer has secured funding for important environmental initiatives. In particular, to restore the Chesapeake Bay by improving oyster habitat and to reduce water pollution. Hoyer initiated the Chesapeake Bay Oyster Recovery Project and secured $18 million in funding for a 10-year, $100 million project to restore natural habitat. Oysters are important economically and environmentally to Chesapeake Bay, they are capable of filtering 50 gallons of water a day and oyster reefs are home to more than 300 species of Bay life. Rep. Hoyer has also consistently voted in support of a sensible energy policy, and to protect the Arctic Refuge from development. The Congressman's work on behalf of the environment earned him an 85% in the 2003 LCV National Environmental Scorecard.  If you would like to support Congressman Hoyer's campaign or would like more information, please contact Vivien Braslau at vivien_braslau@lcv.org

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Rep. Chris Van Hollen for Maryland's 8th District
LCV has endorsed Democrat Chris Van Hollen  for reelection in Maryland's 8th Congressional District. In his first year in Congress, Rep. Van Hollen earned a perfect 100% on the 2003 LCV National Environmental Scorecard.  The Congressman has especially distinguished himself by working on energy conservation issues, continuing the important energy policy work he advanced as state legislator.  Rep. Van Hollen is Vice-Chair of the House Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus, and cosponsored the bipartisan Climate Stewardship Act of 2004 that would set a nationwide standard for pollution responsible for global warming.  He voted against the Bush/Cheney Energy plan and the proposal to open up the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil and gas drilling. Locally, Rep. Van Hollen has taken a leadership role in protecting the Chesapeake Bay through his work as the Co-Chair of the Task Force on the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. If you are interested in supporting Congressman Van Hollen's campaign or would like more information on his record, please contact Vivien Braslau at vivien_braslau@lcv.org

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Massachusetts

Rep. Ed Markey for Massachusetts's 7th District
LCV has endorsed Democrat Ed Markey for reelection in Massachusetts's 7th Congressional District. Congressman Markey has a remarkable 93% lifetime score, voting for the environment on 409 out of a total of 442 environmental votes that LCV has scored since he was first elected in 1976!  In 2003, Rep. Markey earned a perfect 100% record by voting for the environment on all 19 votes scored. He is a senior member on both the Resources, and Energy and Commerce committees.  His leadership and vision have been instrumental in sustaining effective bipartisan opposition to drilling for oil and gas in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.  He sponsored the Morris K. Udall Arctic Wilderness Act of 2003 that would permanently protect the Arctic Refuge and said, )s clear that the Arctic Refuge is now in the same category of Yellowstone and Yosemite -- that there are places so special, so unique, and so unspoiled in our natural world that they should be set aside for future generations as national treasures and protected against energy development.?mso-spacerun: yes">  If you would like to support Congressman Markey's congressional campaign, or would like more information on his record, please contact Vivien Braslau at vivien_braslau@lcv.org.

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Rep. Marty Meehan for Massachusetts's 5th District
LCV has endorsed Democrat Marty Meehan for reelection in Massachusetts's 5th Congressional District. As the Democratic co-chair of the House Sustainable Development Caucus, Meehan has worked to save open space and fight urban sprawl against development pressures. Since Meehan has been in Congress more than 3600 acres of open space has been added to Wildlife Refuge's in Massachusetts' 5th Congressional District.  Moreover, Congressman Marty Meehan was the lead cosponsor, along with Representative Christopher Shays (R-CT) and Senators John McCain (R-AZ) and Russell Feingold (D-WI), of the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (or H.R. 2356), which was signed into law on March 27, 2002. Under the Bipartisan Campaign Finance Reform Act, special interests like the mining, timber, and oil interests can no longer pour unlimited sums of money into the political campaigns of their political allies.  If you would like to support Congressman Meehan's campaign, please contact Vivien Braslau at vivien_braslau@lcv.org.

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Michigan

 
Rep. John Dingell for Michigan's 15th District
LCV has endorsed Democrat John Dingell for Congress in the 15th district of Michigan. In his almost 50 years in the House of Representatives, John Dingell has been an important leader on environmental issues. He was one of the original authors of the Endangered Species Act as well as the original Clean Water Act. In recent years, Dingell has become even more of an environmental advocate, scoring a 95% on the 2003 LCV National Environmental Scorecard and proposing legislation to safeguard the original intent of the Clean Water Act in protecting all the nation's waters. Congressman Dingell is a strong and outspoken leader in the House on environmental issues from his positition a ranking member on the Energy and Commerce Committee. If you are interested in supporting his campaign or would like more information on his record, please contact Vivien Braslau at vivien_braslau@lcv.org.
 Read LCV's Press Release

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Rep. Vern Ehlers for Michigan's 3rd District
LCV has endorsed Republican Vern Ehlers for reelection in Michigan's 3rd Congressional District. Congressman Ehlers has been a leader for Great Lakes protection and restoration.  He led efforts to fund pollution clean-up and sponsored three different bills to stop invasive species in the Great Lakes.  The Congressman was the lead sponsor on the Great Lakes Legacy Act that authorizes up to $50 million per year through 2008 for contaminated sediment cleanup: ?ve suffered far too long from the dumping of harmful toxic substances into rivers feeding the lakes, and this bill will correct this problem by cleaning up contaminated sediments in the rivers,? style="mso-spacerun: yes">   He also authored The National Invasive Species Council Act, H.R. 266; the Aquatic Invasive Species Research Act, H.R. 1081 and the National Aquatic Invasive Species Act of 2003, H.R. 1080 to stop invasive species such as zebra mussels from entering the Great Lakes.  If you would like to support Congressman Ehler's campaign, please contact Vivien Braslau at vivien_braslau@lcv.org

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Joe Schwarz for Michigan's 7th District
LCV is proud to endorse John "Joe" Schwarz (R) for election for the open seat 7th Congressional District of Michigan. Schwarz is a physician by training and a dedicated public servant who has served the people of Michigan as Mayor of Battle Creek and as a former state Senator for 16 years. Schwarz has been a long-time advocate for protecting one of America's most precious natural resources, the Great Lakes. Schwarz supported legislation to implement best practices for the management of ballast water, a primary conduit for invasive species that threaten the health of the Great Lakes ecosystem. He also voted in favor of placing a permanent ban on a new directional oil and gas drilling technique in the Great Lakes, safeguarding the water supply and recreational, economic and biological importance of the lakes to the region. Schwarz has been an important leader in the fight to reduce the bioaccumulation of methyl mercury in the aquatic food chain and to improve groundwater quality by regulating factory farm runoff. The Republican primary is on 8/3 and is very competitive with a field of six challengers vying for the seat. Analysts suggest that the competition will set Schwarz against one of the more conservative Republican candidates, none of whom have a good record on the environment. If you would like more information on this race or you live in Michigan and would like to volunteer for Joe Schwarz's campaign or attend campaign events, please contact Vivien Braslau at vivien_braslau@lcv.org or by phone at (202) 454 - 4585.
 Read LCV's Press Release

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Minnesota

Rep. Jim Ramstad for Minnesota's 3rd District
LCV is proud to endorse Rep. Jim Ramstad (R) for reelection to the U.S.House of Representatives in Minnesota's 3rd district. Rep. Ramstad was
elected to Congress in 1990, and serves on one of the most powerful House Committees: the Ways & Means Committee. He has been called "the most
influential Minnesotan in Congress" by the St. Paul Pioneer Press. Congressman Ramstad earned a 75% on the 2003 LCV National Environmental Scorecard and voted to maintain the roadless rule in America's national forests to protect millions of acres of forested lands from roadbuilding activities that harm key fish and wildlife habitat. He also voted to remove dangerous anti-environment "riders" on the fiscal year 2003 Omnibus Appropriations bill and voted to prevent oil drilling in the 1.5 million acre coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Ramstad has supported passage of the Morris Udall Wilderness Act to designate the coastal plain of the Arctic Refuge, the last protected stretch of Alaska's Arctic coast, as a federally protected area. If you would like more information on this race or you would like to support Jim Ramstad's campaign, please contact Vivien Braslau at vivien_braslau@lcv.org or (202) 454-4585.

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Nevada
Tom Gallagher for Nevada's 3rd District
LCV has endorsed Democrat Tom Gallagher challenging Jon Porter (R) in Nevada's 3rd Congressional District. If elected to Congress, Mr. Gallagher has pledged to ?d nail?s to water and air protections. His commitment to clean water protections go back to the 1970's, when as legislative counsel to former Senator Tunney, he helped craft the Clean Water Act. In his race against freshman Jon Porter, who earned a dismal 10% his first year in Congress, Gallagher has challenged Porter's votes on the Bush/Cheney Energy Plan that would give more than $37 billion in tax breaks to the oil, gas, and nuclear industries. Gallagher said, "In a nutshell, what [Porter's] doing is talking about killing Yucca Mountain, but he's voting to fill it. By encouraging more [nuclear] development at a time when the only place the government is looking to put this stuff is Yucca Mountain, I find that irresponsible.?like more information on Mr. Gallagher's competitive race or would like to support his campaign, please contact Vivien Braslau at vivien_braslau@lcv.org

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Sen. Harry Reid for Nevada Senate
LCV has endorsed Democrat Harry Reid for reelection to the U.S. Senate representing Nevada. Senator Reid earned an 84% on the LCV National Environmental Scorecard in 2003. As the Minority Whip, Senator Reid routinely leads the fight against anti-environmental proposals in Congress. He has been a national leader in fighting the Bush administration's plans to ship nuclear waste across the county to Nevada's Yucca Mountain and is committed to restoring Lake Tahoe, and protecting endangered species laws. Reid introduced the Yellowstone Protection Act in May 2003, in a bipartisan effort to protect our National Parks from snowmobile use. Senator Reid is heavily favored to win his race against real estate developer Richard Ziser (R). If you are interested in supporting his campaign or would like more information on his record, please contact Vivien Braslau at vivien_braslau@lcv.org

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Rep. Shelley Berkley for Nevada's 1st District
LCV has endorsed Democrat Shelley Berkley for reelection in Nevada's 1st Congressional District.  The Congresswoman has worked tirelessly against the Bush Administration's plan to locate a nuclear dump at Yucca Mountain in Nevada.  Research has shown that the area is susceptible to earthquakes and that the presence of water in the mountain will corrode storage containers and allow radioactive waste to escape into groundwater, rivers and drinking water supplies.  She has spoken out against the Administrations energy plan saying, it ?illions of dollars of taxpayer giveaways to the nuclear, oil and gas industries.... Now is the time to create an energy plan to wean this country from its reliance on foreign oil and to harness renewable energy sources. It is not the time to line the pockets of special interests.?mso-spacerun: yes">  If you would like to support Congresswoman Berkley's campaign, or would like more information on his record, please contact Vivien Braslau at vivien_braslau@lcv.org

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New Jersey

Rob Andrews for New Jersey's 1st District
LCV has endorsed Democrat Rob Andrews for reelection in New Jersey's 1st Congressional District.  The Congressman has been a leader on forest protection and sponsored legislation to stop building roads in the Tongass National Forest in Alaska. He said, ?reaching for taxpayers in our district and across the country.  The amendment we passed will end a decades-long practice of wasting millions of dollars in taxpayer money, and it will also help preserve the Tongass, a priceless natural asset and America's only rainforest.?mso-spacerun: yes">  For his efforts on this issue and other pro-environmental votes, he scored a perfect 100% in the 2003 LCV National Environmental Scorecard.  He has also shown foresight by sponsoring the National Forest Ecosystem Protection Act of 2003 that would establish a program to protect large wilderness areas to promote the protection of native animal and plant species and contribute to water preservation for use by downstream metropolitan communities.  If you would like to support Congressman Andrews campaign, or would like more information on his record, please contact Vivien Braslau at vivien_braslau@lcv.org.

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Rep. Rush Holt for New Jersey's 12th District
LCV is proud to endorse Rep. Rush Holt (D) for reelection to the U.S. House of Representatives in New Jersey's 12th district. Rep. Holt has been among the leading voices in Congress to protect Clean Air and Clean Water legislation and has earned an impressive 100% on LCV's Environmental Scorecard each year in office. In 2003, he sponsored an important amendment to uphold a ban on snowmobile use in Yellowstone and Teton National Parks, which failed on a tie vote. Rep. Holt has also supported adoption of higher CAFT standards to promote adoption of more efficient technologies and has advocated for moving forward on Kyoto Protocol directives for greenhouse gas reductions. Rep. Holt is aware of the development pressures in New Jersey and passed an amendment to the Land and Water Conservation Fund that secured millions of dollars to protect open space in New Jersey. Holt also helped lead the successful campaign to add the lower Delaware River to the National Wild and Scenic River program. If you would like to support Rush Holt's campaign, please contact Vivien Braslau at vivien_braslau@lcv.org or by phone at (202) 454 - 4585.
 Read LCV's Press Release

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Rep. Frank LoBiondo for New Jersey's 2nd District
LCV has endorsed Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R) for reelection to the U.S. House of Representatives in New Jersey's 2nd District. Rep. LoBiondo is seeking his sixth consecutive term representing the southern coast of New Jersey. In New Jersey, LoBiondo has been a strong advocate of protecting New Jersey's coastline. He introduced legislation to permanently ban oil and gas drilling off the coast of New Jersey and said "oil and gas exploration off our shores would unnecessarily threaten New Jersey's environmental health and economic well-being." In addition, LoBiondo has secured federal funding to enhance the Cape May National Wildlife Refuge and supported the New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail. LoBiondo believes we need to develop a long term energy policy that will meet New Jersey's and the nation's needs. As such, Rep. LoBiondo voted against H.R.6, the Bush Energy Policy, which would have authorized a $25.7 billion tax break over a 10-year period, including $11.9 billion to promote oil and gas production. The bill also would have protected makers of the gasoline additive MTBE from liability. If you would like more information on this race, or you live in New Jersey and would like to support Frank LoBiondo's campaign, please contact Vivien Braslau at vivien_braslau@lcv.org or by phone at (202) 454 - 4585.

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Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. for New Jersey's 6th District
LCV has endorsed Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. (D) for reelection to the U.S. House of Representatives in New Jersey's 6th District. Rep. Pallone, a senior member of the House Energy & Commerce Committee and the House Resources Committee, has compiled an outstanding legislative record through his 16 years of service in Congress that reflects his commitment to protecting our country's natural resources by voting for the environment 95% of the time since in office. Rep. Pallone has worked to completely phase out the gasoline additive MTBE that contaminates ground water and is a possible carcinogen. He has secured funding to protect New Jersey coastlines and maintain Sandy Hook, a National Recreation Area. In this Congress, Pallone has sponsored legislation to prohibit offshore drilling on the outer Continental Shelf in the Mid-Atlantic Ocean. If you would like more information on this race or you live in New Jersey and would like to volunteer for Frank Pallone's campaign or attend campaign events, please contact Vivien Braslau at vivien_braslau@lcv.org or by phone at (202) 454 - 4585.

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Rep. Jim Saxton for New Jersey's 3rd District
LCV has endorsed Rep. Jim Saxton (R) for reelection to the U.S. House of Representatives in New Jersey's 3rd District. Rep. Saxton has been a leading voice in the ocean conservation movement and has worked to restore beaches, to improve fisheries management, preserve open spaces and protect America's natural beauty. As a senior member of the Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife and Oceans Subcommittee, in the House Resources Committee, he sponsored legislation to ban sludge dumping off the Atlantic Coast to keep Coastal waters healthy and to protect important ocean life and resources. Saxton has also promoted legislation to protect domestic coral reefs, dolphins, sea turtles, and sharks. In 2000, Saxton introduced legislation that established the Commission on Ocean Policy, in April 2004, the Commission released a report on the state of the oceans and lamenting the diminished health of the oceans, Saxton stated, "overfishing and pollution have taken a heavy toll. This must be the beginning of a new, long-term approach we use in taking action to address ocean problems. From Washington to our local shore communities, and everywhere in between, a plan of action is needed to protect and, where possible, restore our ocean resources." If you would like more information on this race or you would like to support Jim Saxton's campaign, please contact Vivien Braslau at vivien_braslau@lcv.org or by phone at (202) 454 - 4585.

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New Mexico

Rep. Tom Udall for New Mexico's 3rd District
LCV has endorsed Democrat Tom Udall for reelection in New Mexico's 3rd Congressional District.  As a senior member of the House Resources Committee, he has been a leader on forest fire policy and sponsored the Forest Restoration and Fire Risk Reduction Act with his cousin Mark Udall (CO-2) which would have improved wildfire prevention in the urban/wilderness interface.  He has spoken out against the Administration's so-called Healthy Forest Restoration Act, calling it flawed and in a formal statement to the House speaker said, ?t we must conduct thinning projects to help reduce the likelihood of unusually severe fires.  However, I do not support the contention that to facilitate such projects we need to expunge our environmental laws and procedures for public comment and participation.?t;

For his efforts on this issue and other pro-environmental votes, he has earned a 95% lifetime score on LCV's National Environmental Scorecard.  If you would like to support Congressman Udall's campaign, or would like more information on his record, please contact Vivien Braslau at vivien_braslau@lcv.org

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New York

Rep. Tim Bishop for New York's 1st District
LCV has endorsed Democrat Tim Bishop for reelection in New York's 1st Congressional District. In 2002, Congressman Bishop ran for Congress on a strong environmental platform, defeating incumbent Congressman Felix Grucci, who had the worst anti-environmental record in the New York delegation. Rep. Bishop demonstrated his strong environmental ethic by introducing legislation to protect clean water and the Long Island Sound as his first bill in Congress. The Congressman also fought to include $1 million in the transportation bill to help reduce road runoff into Long Island's Peconic Estuary. In 1992, the Peconic Estuary was accepted into EPA's National Estuary Program program as an "estuary of national significance." It is made up of a series of shallow bays along 340 miles of coastline that are connected and fed by groundwater, creeks, and rivers and supports an abundance of marine wildlife. Congressman Bishop voted for the environment on all 19 votes scored in the first year of the 108th Congress, earning him a perfect 100% on LCV's National Environmental Scorecard. The Congressman faces a serious challenge from anti-environmental Bush Administration Department of Transportation official, Bill Manger. If you would like more information on this race or you would like to support Congressman Bishop's campaign, please contact Vivien Braslau at vivien_braslau@lcv.org.

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Rep. Sherry Boehlert for New York's 24th District
LCV has endorsed Republican Sherry Boehlert for reelection in New York's 24th Congressional District. As a moderate pro-environment Republican elected to Congress in 1982, Boehlert has played a critical role fighting rollbacks to clean air and clean water laws. When Republicans took control of the House in 1995, Rep. Boehlert took the lead in opposing environmental policy riders to the EPA funding bill and other appropriations. In this Congress, he has supported restrictions on carbon dioxide emissions, stricter fuel emissions standards on SUVs, and opposed drilling in the Arctic Refuge.  The  Congressman voted against final passage of the House energy bill stating it was "environmentally dangerous and fiscally irresponsible."  Rep. Boehlert's moderate views leave him vulnerable to anti-environmental challengers, though he beat back David Walrath with a comfortable victory of 58 percent to Walrath's 42 percent in the September primary.  If you would like to support Congressman Boehlert's campaign or want more information on his race, please contact Vivien Braslau at vivien_braslau@lcv.org

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Brian Higgins for New York's 27th District
LCV has endorsed Democrat Brian Higgins for the open seat in New York's 27th Congressional District. As state Assemblyman, Higgins was helpful with adoption of strict brownfields legislation to clean-up abandoned industrial properties. Buffalo has some of the highest concentrations of contaminated sites in the country and many believe that 40 percent of the city could qualify as brownfields. Higgins support of the bill was notable considering he faced stiff opposition from western New York businesses, who opposed the industry fee increases and wanted weaker environmental standards. He has also taken a lead role to restore Buffalo's Outer Harbor waterfront including shoreline improvements that will result in the opening of an 80-acre state park. If elected, Assemblyman Higgins has vowed to protect the Finger Lakes from oil drilling. Higgins fears that his challenger, Republican Nancy Naples, who has strong ties to the oil industry and was endorsed by the Independent Petroleum Association of America, would not support the same protections. This race is rated as a toss-up. If you would like to support Brian Higgins's campaign or want more information on his race, please contact Vivien Braslau at vivien_braslau@lcv.org

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Rep. Maurice Hinchey for New York's 22nd District
LCV has endorsed Democrat Maurice Hinchey for reelection in New York's 22nd Congressional District.  Elected in 1992, the Congressman has been a staunch advocate for clean up of the Hudson River and the removal of PCBs.  General Electric dumped over one million pounds of PCBs directly into the Hudson River over a thirty-year period, and the EPA ruled that GE must both pay for and clean up the river by 2005. Rep. Hinchey continues to monitor GE's progress and hold them accountable for a timely clean up of their toxic mess.  Among his many efforts on behalf of the environment, the Congressman has led numerous successful efforts in Congress to protect and improve our national parks and to preserve publicly owned wilderness. He is the sponsor of the America's Red Rocks Wilderness Act, which would protect over 9.1 million acres of Utah's publicly owned wild lands as wilderness.  Due to his strong environmental ethic,  Rep. Hinchey earned a near perfect 95% on LCV's 2003 National Environmental Scorecard.  If you would like to support Congressman Hinchey's campaign or want more information on this race, please contact Vivien Braslau at vivien_braslau@lcv.org

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Rep. Sue Kelly for New York's 19th District
LCV has endorsed Republican Sue Kelly for reelection in New York's 19th Congressional District.  Rep. Kelly represents a sizable portion of the Hudson River and is a founding member of the bipartisan Hudson River Congressional Caucus, whose main goal is to restore the health of the river.  She sponsored the Clean Water Infrastructure Financing Act, which helps local communities control water pollution and upgrade local sewer systems.  The Congresswoman has supported clean air laws and co-sponsored the Clean Smokestacks Act, which would amend the Clean Air Act to reduce emissions of four key pollutants from electric powerplants.  She co-sponsored the Climate Stewardship Act, which sets a national, market-wide cap for emissions of pollutants that contribute to climate change.  If you would like to support Congresswoman Kelly's campaign or want more information on her race, please contact Vivien Braslau at vivien_braslau@lcv.org

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Sen. Charles Schumer for New York Senate
LCV has endorsed Democrat Chuck Schumer for reelection to the U.S. Senate representing New York.  Senator Schumer's voting record is one of the best in the nation, earning an outstanding overall score of  95% on the LCV National Environmental Scorecard since elected to the Senate in 1998. This Congress, Senator Schumer voted against the energy bill that would have given makers of the carcinogenic gasoline additive MTBE liability waivers. The Senator voted to raise the miles-per-gallon of new cars and trucks to 40 miles per gallon by 2015.  If passed, this would have saved 3.1 million barrels of oil a day. In addition to voting correctly in 2003 on 17 out of 18 key national environmental votes, Senator Schumer has been a supporter for strong water protection for New York State. He sponsored legislation that would prohibit oil and gas drilling in the Finger Lakes National Forest. The Senator has worked to secure federal funding to help municipalities in New York control storm water runoff pollution to keep drinking water clean and beaches open. If you would like to support Senator Schumer's campaign, or would like more information on his race, please contact Vivien Braslau at vivien_braslau@lcv.org

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North Carolina
Erskine Bowles for North Carolina Senate
LCV has endorsed Democrat Erskine Bowles in his race for the open U.S. Senate seat in North Carolina. Bowles served as Chief of Staff in the Clinton Administration and worked for important environmental issues. He fought for a 16 percent increase to the 1998 Budget for the Clean Water Action Plan that would have helped to clean up the 40 percent of surveyed waterways that are too polluted for swimming and fishing. He worked to assure that Congress dropped special interest riders that would have forced overcutting of timber in national forests, blocked actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and denied municipalities the funds they need to clean-up brownfield sites. Bowles has spoken out against the Bush administration's rollbacks of the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act, and is committed to fighting to maintain these important environmental protections if elected to the Senate. He also pledges to work to ban oil drilling off the North Carolina coast and restore the air quality in the Smoky Mountains. In the November election, Bowles will face Rep. Richard Burr, whose 10-year record and lifetime score of 7% indicates his position on the environment. If you would like more information on this race or you would like to support Erskine Bowles's campaign, please contact Vivien Braslau at vivien_braslau@lcv.org or (202) 454-4585.

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Patsy Keever for North Carolina's 11th District
LCV has endorsed Democrat Patsy Keever challenging Charles Taylor (R) in North Carolina's 11th Congressional District. Patsy Keever has been a Buncombe County commissioner for 12 years (Buncombe county is 1/3rd of the district), and has worked to protect clean air over this diverse district in western North Carolina that contains five National Parks and two National Forests. Commissioner Keever has endorsed the Clean Smokestacks Act to reduce power plant emissions saying that "western North Carolina's once-clean environment has been attacked by air pollution levels that rival those of Atlanta and Los Angeles. The awe-inspiring views that these peaks have offered for generations is now obscured by a thick haze of dirty air." Keever has also spoken to the problems of respiratory illness in her district because adult deaths due to respiratory diseases have increased by 40 percent in western North Carolina since 1990. Commissioner Keever is trying to defeat anti-environmental incumbent Charles Taylor (R) who earned the appalling score of 0%, voting against the environment on all 19 votes scored in the LCV 2003 National Environmental Scorecard. If you would like to support Patsy Keever's campaign or you would like more information, please contact Vivien Braslau at vivien_braslau@lcv.org.

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Ohio
State Sen. Eric Fingerhut for Ohio Senate
LCV has endorsed state Senator Eric Fingerhut (D) challenging Senator George Voinovich (R) for the U.S. Senate seat. State Senator Fingerhut has been a leader on environmental issues. He led the fight against an expanded toxic waste incinerator in East Liverpool, Ohio, and has sponsored legislation to ban oil and gas drilling under Lake Erie. He co-sponsored legislation to protect Ohioans from hazardous power plant emissions and organized local community members to take action when the EPA announced it would roll back planned mercury emission regulations. Legislator Fingerhut has publicly criticized Senator Voinovich's support of controversial changes to the Clean Air Act's New Source Review program that make it easier for older facilities to avoid making improvements that will curb air pollution. Unfortunately for Ohioans, Senator Voinovich has a dismal environmental voting record and has only voted to protect clean air, water, and for other conservation measures 7% of the time. If you would like more information on this race or you would like to support the Eric Fingerhut's campaign, please contact Vivien Braslau at vivien_braslau@lcv.org.

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Rep. Tim Ryan for Ohio's 17 District
LCV has endorsed Democrat Tim Ryan for reelection in Ohio's 17th Congressional District. In his first term in Congress, Rep. Ryan earned an impressive 100% on LCV's 2003 National Environmental Scorecard. He voted for the environment on the 19 important environmental roll call votes that LCV scored the first year of the 108th Congress. The Congressman opposed the Bush/Cheney energy bill, a bill that LCV considers to be among the most anti-environmental pieces of legislation passed in recent history. He voted to protect lakes and rivers from oil and gas industry pollution by supporting an amendment to the energy bill that would have stopped industry exemptions to the Clean Water Act. For more information on Congressman Ryan's votes and votes scored in the 2003 Scorecard.

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Oregon

Rep. David Wu for Oregon's 1st District
LCV has endorsed Democrat David Wu for reelection in Oregon's 1st Congressional District. Congressman Wu represents five counties in Northwest Oregon that follow the Columbia River from downtown Portland to the Pacific Ocean and Oregon's scenic north coast. He has worked to protect American's forests and has spoken out in favor of fellow Oregonians who opposed President Bush's proposal to repeal the Roadless Rule. "The Roadless Rule is a balanced policy that protects the last third of our national forests ...The rule makes sounds financial sense by allowing the Forest Service to address the estimated $10 billion backlog in needed road maintenance instead of using taxpayer dollars to subsidize building new roads." Rep. Wu has voted against the Bush/Cheney Energy Bill and sponsored legislation that would increase the use of fuel efficient vehicles by offering business and personal users tax benefits for the purchase of hybrid vehicles. Congressman Wu has a competitive race against telecommunications consulting Firm Owner Goli Ameri (R), who supports the Bush Administrations so-called "Healthy Forest Initiative" -- a give away to big logging companies to exploit national forests. If you would like more information on this race or you would like to support Congressman Wu's campaign, please contact Vivien Braslau at vivien_braslau@lcv.org.

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Rep. Earl Blumenauer for Oregon's 3rd District
LCV has endorsed Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D) for reelection in the 3rd Congressional District of Oregon. As a founder of the Livable Communities Task Force, Rep. Blumenauer has been recognized throughout the country for his work to create more livable communities that improve quality of life and protect the environment. The Congressman rides his bike to and from votes on Capitol Hill and established the Congressional Bike Caucus to recognize the importance of bicycling as an alternative mode of transportation and a means to decrease the nation's reliance on imported fossil fuels. This Congress, Blumenauer led the House effort to secure funding for the Portland/Vancouver Metropolitan Greenspaces Program, after the Bush Administration refused to allocate federal funding for this program that began in the late 1980's. The Metropolitan Greenspaces Program is a unique partnership between U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the local Metro that provides grants for urban projects that focus on environmental education, habitat enhancement and watershed health. Rep. Blumenauer earned an 85% on LCV's 2003 National Environmental Scorecard and in his four terms in office has voted for environmental protection 89% of the time. If you would like more information on this race or you would like to support Earl Blumenauer's campaign, please contact Vivien Braslau at vivien_braslau@lcv.org or by phone at (202) 454-4585
 Read LCV's Press Release

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Rep. Darlene Hooley for Oregon's 5th District
LCV has endorsed Darlene Hooley (D) for reelection in Oregon's 5th Congressional District. Rep. Hooley earned a 90% on the 2003 LCV National Environmental Scorecard. She has been a staunch defender of America's national parks and forests and led efforts to create new wilderness areas and to try to stop the use of snowmobiles in public lands. Hooley has been particularly outspoken in her opposition to drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, and co-sponsored the Morris K. Udall Arctic Wilderness Act which designates specified lands within the Arctic Refuge as wilderness. Congresswoman Hooley is facing a serious challenge against Lake Oswego attorney Jim Zupancic (R). Political analysts have ranked this race as the most competitive in Oregon and among the most competitive in the country. If you are interested in supporting Congresswoman Hooley's campaign or would like more information on her record, please contact Vivien Braslau at vivien_braslau@lcv.org.

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 Pennsylvania

Rep. Tim Holden for Pennsylvania's 17th District
LCV has endorsed Democrat Tim Holden for reelection in Pennsylvania's 17th Congressional District. In this Congress, Congressman Holden has voted to protect the coastal plain of Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge from oil drilling development. Rep. Holden is in a competitive race against Republican Scott Paterno (son of Penn State Football Coach Joe Paterno) who has attacked Congressman Holden's votes to protect the Refuge saying "ANWR holds the equivalent of roughly 450 billion gallons of gas. By occupying an area the size of an airport, we could tap the oil under ANWR's 20 million acres." Mr. Paterno obviously does not understand the complicated logistics of drilling in the Refuge. The Geological Survey projected that drilling would be scattered in dozens of areas and spread out over hundreds of square miles. Seismic exploration would scar the tundra and oil production would contaminate the air with nitrogen oxide and other pollutants. A 1998 study by the Geological Survey projected that the coastal plain would yield less oil than the U.S. consumes in 6 months and would take at least 10 years to bring to market. If you would like more information on Congressman Holden's race or you would like to support his campaign, please contact Vivien Braslau at vivien_braslau@lcv.org.

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  State Sen. Allyson Schwartz for Pennsylvania's 13th District
LCV has endorsed Democrat state Senator Allyson Schwartz for the open seat in Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District. As state Senator, Allyson Schwartz established an impressive environmental record, regularly receiving high marks from the Pennsylvania League of Conservation Voters, including a 90% in 2002. She supported brownfields clean up legislation and worked to make sure that the program safeguarded public health. Schwartz fought to create the office in the PA Department of Environmental Protection that gives small businesses advice on compliance of environmental legislation. During