FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Washington Conservation Voters achieves gains in tough political year
Despite a tough election nationwide for incumbents, Washington voters maintained environmental majorities in the state legislature
Seattle - Washington Conservation Voters, the political arm of Washington’s environmental community, is pleased by the election of strong environmental champions in a year filled with mixed results.
Seattle - Washington Conservation Voters, the political arm of Washington’s environmental community, is pleased by the election of strong environmental champions in a year filled with mixed results.
“We are finding room to celebrate victories in our high-priority races,” said Brendon Cechovic, WCV Political Director. “Environmental voters clearly made a difference in key races across the state. Although we acknowledge the losses of some of the community’s strongest supporters, including Senator Eric Oemig, Senator Claudia Kauffman, and Rep. Geoff Simpson, we believe that we are in a position to move forward on our priority issues."
Washington Conservation Voters mounted its biggest political operation in memory, directly contacting over 125,000 voters in the last 10 days of the campaign. Notable victories include:
- Hans Dunshee (LD 44)
- Steve Tharinger (LD 24)
- Derek Stanford (LD 1)
- Joe Fitzgibbon (LD 34)
Another WCV-priority race, Luis Moscoso (LD 1), is too close to call. WCV is also celebrating the victories of two county commission candidates, Josh Brown (Kitsap) and Karen Valenzuela (Thurston).
“We are ready to work with Governor Gregoire, legislative leadership, and members of both parties to find solutions on the issues that all Washingtonians care about: clean air, clean water, and creating green jobs right here in the state,” said Clifford Traisman, WCV State Lobbyist.
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