FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 24, 2009
CONTACT:
Eric Uram, Conservation Chair, Sierra Club John Muir Chapter: (608) 233-9022
Shahla Werner, Director, Sierra Club John Muir Chapter: (608) 332-6079
Sierra Club Clears the Air on Endorsement Process
Statement by Eric Uram, Conservation Chair, Sierra Club John Muir Chapter (Wisconsin):
"I feel compelled to respond to the recent Associated Press article because the Sierra Club takes its endorsements very seriously. Sierra Club endorsements are based on the candidate's overall environmental record and platform, as measured by their history of public service, public statements, the candidate's performance on environmental issues as an incumbent (if applicable); and the candidate's prospect for mounting a credible campaign.
We don't shy away from the fact that we hope our endorsements encourage public officials nationwide to strive to be even better on environmental issues in general, but we certainly did not ask Governor Doyle for anything in exchange for our endorsement.
In this particular case Governor Doyle's actions had absolutely nothing to do with the Sierra Club or any other organization's endorsement but rather a polluter's violation of clean air laws. These violations triggered legal action that demanded a response from the State. The governor acted properly and consistently with the platform of improvements on which he campaigned.
Again, while it is clear that endorsements or politics played no role in the Governor's move to reduce air pollution, the Sierra Club has long supported the idea of divorcing DNR from politics by re-establishing an Independent Secretary in Wisconsin. This would ensure that the laws designed to protect our water, land and air are not subject to the corrupting force of campaign contributions.”
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