From The Capital Times, 7/22/2008, 5:22 am
On the same day that the League of Conservation Voters made a high-profile endorsement of Democrat Barack Obama for the presidency, a key Wisconsin environmental advocacy group swung its support behind Justin Sargent in the crowded Democratic primary for Dane County's open 81st Assembly District seat.
Obama's endorsement Monday from the LCV was expected, especially after Republican John McCain took stands on oil drilling and other issues that were at odds with the environmental group's agenda.
Sargent's endorsement from the Clean Wisconsin Action Fund came as more of a surprise, since a number of the candidates in the 81st District contest are promoting themselves as green contenders.
For Sargent, who has secured several important labor endorsements, the Clean Wisconsin Action Fund backing represents a significant boost.
And it came with an enthusiastic statement from Gary Goyke, a former legislator who serves on the fund's board.
"Justin Sargent's passion for the environment and commitment to building a strong environmentally responsible economy in Wisconsin parallels Clean Wisconsin Action Fund's dedication to ensuring future generations enjoy clean air, clean water and clean energy," said Goyke, who added, "We need strong leaders who understand the importance of protecting Wisconsin's environment in order to ensure our children and grandchildren inherit an environment as clean and healthy as the one we know and love. Justin Sargent is such a leader."
On Monday, Sargent also released a list of "81 Women of the 81st Assembly District" who are supporting his candidacy.
Sargent's specific focus on support from women represents a clear challenge to the only woman, veteran pro-choice advocate Kelda Helen Roys, who is running against five men -- Sargent, Waunakee Village President John Laubmeier, Madison restaurant owner Peng Her, former lobbyist Eric Englund and Dane County Assistant District Attorney Tim Kiefer.
Roys has been endorsed by Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk -- a proven vote-getter in the county who historically has worked hard for the candidates she backs -- along with Dane County legislators Terese Berceau and Sondy Pope-Roberts. A number of other area women with long histories in Democratic politics have also endorsed the former executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice Wisconsin.
The 81st District includes the northeast side of Madison, Waunakee, Westport, Cross Plains, Black Earth and Mazomanie, as well as rural areas surrounding those communities. The district leans Democratic -- so much so that the Republicans are not running a candidate. That means that the Sept. 9 Democratic primary becomes a definitional vote. And, in a relatively low turnout primary, endorsements could matter a good deal -- although candidate Englund wisely notes that face-to-face contact with voters, something he and the other candidates are focusing hard on, will undoubtedly matter most of all.
John Nichols is associate editor of The Capital Times.
View the original story HERE.
