A Green “Thumbs-Up” for the Environment

Post #58

Yesterday, I was honored to receive the endorsement of the Maryland League of Conservation Voters (LCV).  As one of the premiere political groups in Maryland whose mission is advocating for the environment, LCV is serious about choosing candidates whom they feel would best protect and defend our state's future. 

First, they sent each of us an eight-page questionnaire.  Topics ranged from the Bay to stormwater management, clean energy, and mass transit.  My campaign manager and I spent countless hours researching the various questions, wanting to fully understand some of the issues that have come up since I left the House of Delegates.

Second, there were endorsement interviews.  Representatives from LCV and the Sierra Club asked for further details on both legislative and political topics.  I was impressed by the amount of time that some of these lay leaders were investing in ensuring that only the best champions of the environment would be selected.

When I got the call that the LCV board had voted to endorse my candidacy as the preferred choice in District 17, I was delighted and very grateful for their vote of confidence. 

During my tenure in the House, I never had the chance to serve on a committee whose jurisdiction dealt directly with the environment.  Every legislator, however, has a chance to consider legislation and vote in the full body.  For example, I am proud of having been one of only 37 legislators to vote against deregulating electricity.  In fact, I earned a 100% voting record on environmental issues as a freshman Delegate and proudly wore the green “#1” pin I was awarded as a result.

There are two things this endorsement means for me.  In a Democratic primary, a 'thumbs-up' from a key environmental group will have a significant impact.  More than that, the endorsement process has given me a greater understanding of the issues and enhanced  relationships with leaders in this community when/if I am serving in the State Senate in January.

I would love to hear from you, dear Blog reader!  How important are environmental issues as you  make your candidate choices before this September's primary election?  Please send an email to Blog@CherylKagan.org or click on the "Comments" link below to express your views.  Please be sure to indicate which post (#58) you're addressing.

Thanks for reading.  I will post again soon.