Conservation primary endorsements

The Illinois League of Conservation Voters (ILCV) has endorsed a few downstate candidates for the 2008 Primary Election on February 5.

They include Allen Mayer, a Peoria Democrat seeking the 92nd House nomination. Jehan Gordon of Peoria, is his Democratic opponent for the nomination in that race.

The organization also released a scorecard based on the voting record of incumbents for the current legislative session. The ILCV is a bipartisan organization devoted full time to its mission of electing a pro-environment political majority in Illinois.

"We are proud to endorse these exceptional pro-environment candidates from both parties," Mike Braun, a Board Member for the ILCV who is from Will County stated in a news release. "Environmental issues should not be a partisan issue and we have a great mix of Republicans and Democrats who have promised to actively support environmental legislation."

Endorsement decisions were based on a questionnaire candidates completed regarding their views on environmental issues as well as a scorecard produced by the ILCV that rates incumbents, the organization stated. The scorecard is the first produced by the ILCV and it holds state lawmakers accountable for their votes while in office.

"A scorecard is the best tool to make sure that campaign promises turn into legislative action to protect our environment," said Amanda Espitia, Executive Director of the ILCV. "Voters need a way to hold their legislators accountable once elected and to measure who is truly making the environment a priority."

Senate 2008 Primary Endorsements include Democrat John Sullivan of Rushville in the 47th Senate District.
In the Illinois House races, along with Mayer, others endorsed are Mike Smith, Democrat in the 91st District which includes Tazewell and Fulton counties; Mike Boland, Democrat from the Quad Cities in District 71; and
Frank J Mautino of Spring Valley, District 76.