elections

Overview

The League of Conservation Voters works to turn environmental values into national priorities. While 2006 and 2008 were banner elections for federal candidates fighting for a new energy economy that creates jobs, reduces our dependence on oil, and protects the planet, 2010 regrettably saw numerous environmental champions go down to defeat in a national wave election in which environmental issues were overshadowed by larger macroeconomic issues. Still, several bright spots emerged this cycle, including the election of a number of federal candidates who will bring vital new strength to the fight for a clean energy economy in the 112th Congress. These candidates are featured in the Environmental Facebook.

The Environmental Facebook summarizes the backgrounds and environmental positions of newly elected federal candidates who were endorsed and/or financially supported by LCV (including its political committees LCV Victory Fund and LCV Action Fund) and/or a state LCV. For a complete list of LCV endorsements, please see www.lcv.org/campaigns/endorsements/.

As in past election cycles, LCV endorsed federal candidates who demonstrated a commitment to promoting clean energy, reducing global warming pollution, protecting natural resources, and ensuring a healthy environment for future generations. In the 2010 election cycle, LCV endorsed candidates in 12 Senate and 39 House races. LCV also ran independent expenditure campaigns in several key races across the country.

Our signature Dirty Dozen program once again targeted anti-environment candidates in races in which we had a serious chance to affect the outcome. Since 1996, more than 60 percent of the Dirty Dozen have been defeated—including many supposedly "undefeatable" incumbents. This year, LCV sought to demonstrate that the members of the Dirty Dozen were clinging to the failed energy policies of the past that reject the sound and settled science of climate change and only benefit Big Oil instead of fighting to create clean energy jobs. LCV also took the unprecedented step of naming Proposition 23—a ballot measure that would have rolled back California's landmark clean energy and global warming law—to the 2010 Dirty Dozen, making this year's list a baker's dozen. Despite the challenging political environment, LCV's efforts this year resulted in the defeat of seven Dirty Dozen members, including California's overwhelming rejection of Proposition 23.

Looking ahead to the 112th Congress, LCV looks forward to working with new and returning members of Congress as well as the Obama administration to defend and strengthen policies that will help create clean energy jobs, increase our national security, and preserve a healthy planet for future generations.