Maryland League of Conservation Voters Endorses Bill Ferguson

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(Annapolis, MD, July 26th, 2010) Today, the Maryland League of Conservation Voters (LCV) released its second round of endorsed candidates for Maryland Senate and the House of Delegates in the 2010 state elections. These seven Senate and 49 House endorsed candidates have all demonstrated leadership on environmental issues and a commitment to an open-door policy when it comes to working with us to protect the environment.

Earlier this year, the Maryland League endorsed Governor Martin O’Malley, Attorney General Doug Gansler, and Comptroller Peter Franchot, as well as 16 Senate candidates and 41 candidates for the Maryland House of Delegates for re-election.

With 23 open seats in the House of Delegates and three open seats in the Senate, voters will be sending a minimum 26 new legislators to Annapolis in January. Today, Maryland LCV endorsed 10 candidates for open seats in the House. “In many districts, the field of candidates is crowded,” said Cindy Schwartz, Executive Director of the League. She continued, “By researching records, interviewing candidates, and reviewing their questionnaires, we’re doing the homework voters don’t have time for. We think these candidates will work with us and vote for pro-conservation legislation to protect Maryland’s air, land, water, and people.”

The Maryland League is also endorsing six candidates, Republican and Democrat, who are challenging incumbents in the House of Delegates or the Senate. Those are: Del. Joanne Benson (D) challenging Sen. Nathaniel Exum (D) in District 24; Christopher Jakubiak (D) challenging Sen. Richard Colburn (R) in District 37; Bill Ferguson (D) challenging Sen. George Della (D) in District 46; Mary Beth Pirolozzi (R) challenging Del. Kevin Kelly (D) in District 1B; Judd Legum (D) a challenger in District 30; and Lori Albin (D) a challenger in District 42.

“We endorse candidates who truly represent the environmental ethic of their district and who we believe will better represent their constituents’ values of protecting healthy air, open space, and restoring the Chesapeake Bay,” Schwartz said.

Every election, the Maryland League evaluates candidate questionnaires and considers legislative work and leadership on behalf of the environment. Before announcing endorsements, the Maryland League sends a questionnaire to every candidate, with more than 40 questions aimed at examining candidate’s positions, records, and plans for protecting Maryland’s air, land, water, and people. Additionally, the Board of Directors and staff conduct interviews with dozens of candidates for legislative office as well as for Comptroller, Attorney General, and Governor. In the 2010 elections, Maryland LCV will actively work to get selected pro-conservation candidates elected.

More endorsements will be released in the coming weeks and months. “At the Maryland League of Conservation Voters, we are dedicated to passing strong environmental legislation, which is why who we help elect matters. We have a great opportunity to make a substantial difference by increasing the conservation majority in the Maryland General Assembly,” Schwartz said.

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