Election Endorsements
All political candidates say they support protecting the environment, but how can voters distinguish between those who merely say it and those who do it?
Each election year Vermont League of Conservation Voters (VLCV) makes that distinction by evaluating and endorsing candidates who are committed to environmental protection. VLCV's endorsement process ensures that conservation-minded and environmentally responsible candidates are recruited, supported and elected to public office.
Review the endorsements, as well as all who are running for office:
How VLCV Endorsements Work
VLCV first develops candidate questionnaires that detail the priorities of the Vermont environmental community, and require candidates to declare their positions on these issues. Statewide and local environmental groups provide their input on the questionnaire, which are sent to all known candidates. Upon receipt of a completed questionnaire, candidates are invited to interview with a committee of the board to seek endorsement consideration. During the interview, candidates are asked to present their environmental credentials, expand upon their questionnaire responses, and identify the environmental issue(s) on which they will take a leadership role if elected.
After all endorsement decisions are made, they are announced to the League’s membership and the media. VLCV then determines which races to lend additional support to, offering political services including: identifying “prime” environmental voters, labels and lists, phone banking, paid advertisements, sharing polling results, media outreach, direct mail and palm cards, volunteers for “Get Out The Vote” activities and financial contributions.
VLCV Campaigns
VLCV's independent campaigns are a key element of our strategy to craft a pro-environment Legislature – because they aggressively target candidates where it matters most, at the ballot box. Based on strategic political targeting and the candidate's votes and actions on the environment, our campaigns educate voters about the records of pro- and anti-environment candidates.
How much impact can VLCV’s campaign make on Vermont policy? In 2004, two anti-environment committee Chair’s in the Vermont House – Ruth Towne and Frank Mazur – were defeated. Both candidates have blamed the environment. In 2006, VLCV worked closely with now Chris Bray from Addison County. He wound up defeating a four-term incumbent by a mere 52 votes. It's clear that VLCV's work had an impact on these races and will impact the 2008 elections.