Contact: Chuck Porcari (cell: (240) 286-7566) or Mark Sokolove (cell: (703) 599-7656) or (202) 785-8683

WASHINGTON - The League of Conservation Voters (LCV) today announced its endorsement of U.S. Senator Patty Murray for reelection in Washington State, citing her exceptional pro-environment record in Congress and the abysmal record of her opponent, Rep. George Nethercutt. Senator MurrayÆs 95 percent rating on LCVÆs 2003 National Environmental Scorecard was among the leaders nationally.

"LCV is endorsing Patty Murray because of her exceptional record on environmental protection," said LCV Vice President for Policy Betsy Loyless. "Her stand against a deeply flawed, polluter-subsidized energy bill along with her opposition to drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and clear-cutting of our national forests by big timber companies stand in complete contrast to George NethercuttÆs record of siding with special interests."

Representative Nethercutt rated a "zero," on the National Environmental Scorecard.

Senator MurrayÆs work on the Wild Sky Wilderness Bill, legislation to protect more than 106,000 acres in the Cascade Mountains and her work in securing federal funds for nuclear waste cleanup on the Hanford Reservation are among her demonstrated commitments to environmental protection.

For information on all of LCVÆs endorsed candidates, visit our website at </Campaigns/CampaignsList.cfm?c=3>.

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The nonprofit League of Conservation Voters (LCV) is the political voice of the national environmental and conservation community. LCV, which is not a partisan organization, is the only national organization working full-time to hold Congress and the president accountable for their environmental actions. For more information, please visit us on the web at www.lcv.org.