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Rep Diana DeGette
Colorado - 1st District
www.degette.com
About the Candidate
Representative Diana DeGette is serving her seventh term in Congress. During her tenure serving the Denver metro region, she has established herself as a leader for progressive change on health care, reproductive rights, food safety, consumer protection, and the environment.
In 2005, Diana was promoted to the House Democratic leadership as chief deputy whip, a critical role in ensuring passage of key pieces of legislation. She serves as vice chair of the powerful Committee on Energy and Commerce, where she has used her position to improve health care, expand medical research, reform corporate business and accounting practices, take on global climate change, and move America toward energy independence. In 2009, Diana was appointed to the Natural Resources Committee, where she has worked on land policy to protect our public lands in Colorado and across the country.
Diana received her B.A. magna cum laude from Colorado College and her J.D. from New York University School of Law. She served two terms in the Colorado House of Representatives serving as assistant minority leader from 1993 to 1995.
About the Race
Diana faces no serious primary challenger. She is a shoe-in to return to Washington in the 112th Congress.
On Environmental Issues
Diana has long been a champion for the environment. In December 2009, she traveled to Copenhagen as part of the bi-partisan Congressional delegation representing the United States at the UN climate change negotiations. She authored the Colorado Wilderness Act, which, if passed, would protect 1.6 million acres of land in Colorado. She has a lifetime League of Conservation Voters score of 97 percent and has been endorsed by both the Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund and the Sierra Club in 2010.
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Congresswoman Donna Edwards (D)
Maryland - 4th District
www.donnaedwardsforcongress.com/
P.O. Box 441153
Fort Washington, MD 20749
About the Candidate
Representative Donna Edwards represents Maryland’s 4th Congressional District comprising portions of Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties. She was sworn in as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives in the 110th Congress in June 2008, and began her first full-term in the 111th Congress in 2009.
Currently, Donna serves on the Transportation and Infrastructure and Science and Technology Committees. Through her subcommittee assignments, she works on transit, water resources, economic development, and technology issues.
Donna has worked in both the nonprofit and private sectors. Just prior to serving in Congress, she was the executive director of the Arca Foundation in Washington, DC. She also co-founded and led the National Network to End Domestic Violence, where she spearheaded the effort to pass The Violence Against Women Act of 1994. Rep. Edwards completed her undergraduate studies at Wake Forest University and received her Juris Doctor from Franklin Pierce Law Center.
About the Race
Donna faces a primary challenger in state Delegate Herman Taylor on September 19, 2010. While she is expected to win, Taylor presents a tougher-than-average challenge. This is a heavily Democratic seat, so if she wins the primary, we can expect to see her back in Congress in 2011.
On Environmental Issues
Donna is a leader on environmental issues in Congress. She has a perfect 100 percent lifetime League of Conservation Voters (LCV) score and has been endorsed by LCV, Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund, and the Sierra Club in the 2010 election. She voted for the American Clean Energy and Security Act and has been a vocal proponent of developing clean energy technology to create jobs and reduce carbon pollution. She serves as vice chair on the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, a position which holds considerable influence over our nation’s water quality. In the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit, she is a champion of public transportation to reduce gasoline consumption and pollution.
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Congresswoman Mary Jo Kilroy (D)
Ohio - 15th District
www.kilroyforcongress.com
271 East State Street
Columbus, OH 43215
About the Candidate
As a public school mother, Mary Jo Kilroy first ran for public office in 1991, serving two terms on the Columbus Board of Education. She was elected Franklin County Board Commissioner in 2000 and re-elected in 2004. Under her leadership, Franklin County has dedicated itself to fiscal responsibility, economic development, quality health care, and environmental protection and sustainability. Her tenacity led to Franklin County being ranked as one of the five best-managed counties in the country by "Governing" magazine.
Mary Jo was elected to her first term in Congress in 2008 after a contentious battle against Steve Stivers. Following the election, the Ohio Supreme Court had to intervene in the vote counting because the margin was so slim.
She currently serves on the Financial Services and Homeland Security Committees, and on the Congressional Task Force on Competitiveness.
Mary Jo earned a bachelor’s degree from Cleveland State University and a law degree from Ohio State University. She spent a number of years working in the private sector as a partner at the Handelman and Kilroy Law Firm, until resigning to pursue a career in public service.
About the Race
Mary Jo is facing a re-match against Republican Steve Stivers. This will be a tough election, as anti-incumbent sentiment runs high. Pollsters consider this race a "tossup."
On Environmental Issues
Mary Jo believes Ohio should be a leader in renewable energy to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and to create jobs. In her first term, she earned a 100 percent environmental voting record from the League of Conservation Voters and has been endorsed by Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund.
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Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D)
Maine - 1st District
www.chelliepingree.com
PO Box 17613
Portland, ME 04112
About the Candidate
Representative Chellie Pingree has enjoyed a varied career in business, farming, and public service. From 1992 to 2000, she was a Maine state Senator, serving as Senate Majority Leader from 1996 to 2000. During her tenure, she was known for winning important legislative battles over health care, economic development, and the environment and earned several awards, including Consumer Health Advocate of the Year. In 2002, she was a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate, and while not successful, she garnered 42 percent of the vote against a popular incumbent. Chellie then became president and CEO of Common Cause, a position she held through spring 2007, when she resigned to run for this open seat being vacated by Representative Tom Allen.
In Congress, Chellie serves on the Armed Services and Rules Committees.
Prior to public service, Chellie was active in the tiny island community of North Haven, where she was chair of the school board and founder of the North Haven Arts and Enrichment Association.
About the Race
Chellie faces challenger Dean Scontras in the 2010 general election. She is highly favored to win in this Democratic district.
On Environmental Issues
In Congress, Chellie has been a champion of environmental issues, earning a 100 percent voting record from the League of Conservation Voters. She believes that investing in a green economy will reduce our energy consumption and end our dependence on fossil fuels. She has been endorsed by Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund and the Sierra Club.
During her tenure as a Maine state Senator and Senate majority leader, she championed environmental causes and fought to preserve and protect Maine's natural resources. Chellie's commitment and efforts have been widely acknowledged by environmental groups. Her state LCV rating during her last four years in the Senate was a perfect 100 percent.
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Congresswoman Kathy Dahlkemper (D)
Pennsylvania - 3rd District
kathydahlkemperforcongress.com
About the Candidate
Representative Kathy Dahlkemper is serving her first term representing the 3rd District of Pennsylvania. This is Kathy’s first experience in elected office. Prior to serving in Congress, she and her husband Dan developed Dahlkemper Landscape Architects & Contractors from a small family business into a thriving organization. This experience contributes to Kathy’s first-hand knowledge of the struggles facing small business owners and employees. She comes to Washington, DC as a concerned citizen with a lifetime of experience under her belt. After serving as director for the Lake Erie Arboretum at Frontier Park for 10 years, she became a master at bringing people together in public-private partnerships to benefit the community.
Helping children, families, and individuals has been Kathy’s lifelong mission. Working with the Girl Scouts of America, she has actively helped children learn their true potential, and now serves as a role model for aspiring, young women.
In her first term, she chairs the Committee on Small Business’s Subcommittee on Regulations and Health Care. She also serves on the Agriculture, and Science and Technology Committees.
About the Race
Kathy has a tough re-election campaign ahead. She has already beat one primary challenger and will face self-financed Republican Mike Kelley in November. This will likely be a close race.
On Environmental Issues
Kathy has received an 86 percent score from the League of Conservation Voters and has been endorsed by the Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund. She is committed to developing clean energy industries in Pennsylvania.
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Congresswoman Suzanne Kosmas (D)
Florida - 24th District
kosmasforcongress.com/
920 E 3rd Avenue
New Smyrna Beach , FL 32169
About the Candidate
Representative Suzanne Kosmas is serving her first term representing the 24th District of Florida, which includes the Kennedy Space Center. Prior to her election, Suzanne served four consecutive terms as a member of the Florida House of Representatives. A fiscal conservative, Suzanne has pushed for fiscally responsible solutions as a member of the moderate New Democrat Coalition.
As a member of the Science and Technology Committee, Suzanne has quickly become a leading supporter of human spaceflight, with the Orlando Sentinel naming her one of Florida’s “top space advocates.” Suzanne also serves on the Financial Services Committee where she has been working to address the nation’s financial crisis.
Suzanne has been active in her local community, serving as chair of the board for the United Way of Volusia County. Prior to her career in public service, Suzanne owned a small business.
About the Race
Suzanne beat ethically-challenged incumbent Tom Feeney in the 2008 election. She faces a tough reelection with a primary challenger on August 24, and a well-financed opponent in November.
On Environmental Issues
Suzanne has been endorsed by the League of Conservation Voters in the 2010 election, and she has earned a 100 percent environmental voting score. She has also been endorsed by the Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund and the Sierra Club. Suzanne voted to pass the American Clean Energy and Security Act in 2009, and one of her top priorities in Congress has been creating clean energy jobs in Central Florida.
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Congresswoman Betsy Markey (D)
Colorado - 4th District
About the Candidate
Representative Betsy Markey is serving her first term representing the 4th District of Colorado. Prior to her election, she served as then-U.S. Senator Ken Salazar’s Regional Director for northern and eastern Colorado. She worked closely with businesses, agricultural groups, elected leaders, nonprofits, and individual constituents to represent their interests.
Betsy co-founded Syscom Services, Inc., an Internet consulting and web site development firm. She helped lead the firm to a #99 ranking in Inc. magazine’s list of America’s 500 fastest-growing private companies. Betsy was also the owner of Huckleberry’s, a popular and successful coffee and ice cream shop in Old Town Fort Collins. Early in her career, she worked on Capitol Hill for Representative Herb Harris and later was appointed as a Presidential Management Fellow in the U.S. Treasury Department. She later went on to develop computer security policies for the State Department. She has been active in her community of Larimer County, serving on the board of the Food Bank and as chair of the Larimer County Democratic Party.
About the Race
Betsy will face state Rep. Cory Gardner in the November election. This race is one of the most competitive of the cycle. Environmentalists, including the Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund, worked hard to help elect Betsy in 2008, when she defeated incumbent Rep. Marilyn Musgrave. However, this district is traditionally Republican and barely went for John McCain in the 2008 presidential election. Markey needs all the help she can get.
On Environmental Issues
Betsy has been endorsed by the Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund, the Sierra Club, and the League of Conservation Voters, and she holds a 79 percent environmental voting record for her first term in office. She has prioritized clean energy development as a tool to create jobs and reduce our dependence on foreign oil. She voted to pass the American Clean Energy and Security Act in 2009, and wants her Colorado district to be a leader in clean energy innovation.
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Candidate Paula Brooks (D)
Ohio - 12th District
paulabrooks.com/main
222 East 11th Avenue
Columbus, OH 43201
About the Candidate
Paula Brooks is president of the County Commissioners' Association of Ohio and served twice as the president of the Franklin County Board of Commissioners, to which she was elected in 2004. She was previously elected to the Upper Arlington City Council in 1996. She has served on the Board of Developmental Disabilities as a trustee, and as president of the Ohio State Bar Foundation and Action for Battered Women in Ohio. She was also appointed to the Defense Advisory on Women in the Services and served as the director of the Women's Law project for the Ohio Attorney General. Paula is also currently the vice chair of the National Association of Counties (NACo) Energy/Renewables Subcommittee.
Paula grew up on a small family farm in East Liverpool, Ohio, where her lifelong commitment to Ohio began. She attended Youngstown State University and went on to law school at Capital University, attending classes at night while working for Ohio’s Attorney General during the day.
About the Race
Paula is running against incumbent Pat Tiberi in this Columbus-area district. While this race is being considered “likely Republican,” Paula presents the most viable challenge to Tiberi in years. She has been endorsed by several major groups and maintains a strong fundraising position.
On Environmental Issues
Paula grew up on her family’s farm, which instilled in her a deep appreciation for the environment that continues to influence her policy decisions. As a Franklin County Commissioner, she led the charge to adopt a “green” policy in 2006, which solidified the County’s commitment to both environmental protection and economic growth. As Commission president, she requested that the County consider environmental sustainability in all decisions. She also successfully advanced important environmental initiatives, such as the Big Darby Accord to protect a vital watershed.
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Candidate Suzan DelBene (D)
Washington - 8th District
www.delbeneforcongress.com/
PO Box 1406
Bellevue, WA 98009
About the Candidate
Suzan DelBene is a technology entrepreneur and business leader with deep roots in the Puget Sound region. Driven to strive for self-sufficiency by her family’s economic difficulties, she earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Reed College with the help of work-study programs, scholarships, and grants.
Following Reed, Suzan worked in the biotechnology industry before earning an MBA from the University of Washington and embarking on a successful career as a technology leader and innovator. In more than two decades as an executive and entrepreneur, she helped to start drugstore.com as its original vice president of marketing and store development, and served as CEO and president of Nimble Technology, a business software company based on technology developed at the University of Washington. She also spent 14 years at Microsoft, most recently as corporate vice president of the company’s mobile communications business.
In the community, Suzan is deeply involved in the local YWCA’s program to provide transitional housing and job training for women and families struggling to get back on their feet. She has also worked with Global Partnerships, a non-profit focused on supporting microfinance programs to serve people living in poverty in Latin America.
A committed progressive, Suzan offers a vision for economic growth based on supporting the efforts of businesses and individuals to transform innovative ideas into new opportunities. She brings a depth of experience and history of achieving concrete results that is clearly needed in today’s difficult economic and political environment.
About the Race
Suzan is challenging incumbent Dave Reichert, a moderate third-term Republican who fought off a challenge from RAN-backed candidate Darcy Burner in 2008. Pollsters give Reichert the leading edge in this election, but Suzan is definitely a serious challenger, and is neck-and-neck with the incumbent in fundraising. She has been endorsed by several major organizations. Her primary will be August 17, when the top two vote getters will move on to the general election.
On Environmental Issues
Suzan believes that climate change is a serious threat to our way of life, but also sees an opportunity to develop clean energy technologies. She understands that we need to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and on fossil fuels and begin the transformation to an economy based on clean and renewable energy sources.
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Candidate Betsy Dennigan (D)
Rhode Island - 2nd District
betsydenniganforcongress.com/
P.O. Box 8053
Cranston, RI 02920
About the Candidate
Elizabeth ‘Betsy’ Dennigan is a nurse, attorney, and a thirteen-year veteran of the Rhode Island House of Representatives, where she held a seat on the Finance Committee. Betsy is a fierce advocate for clean government and separation of powers; she is the author of the current law that mandates the disclosure of all state consultant spending.
Betsy served as the Co-Chair of the Joint Economic Development Commission and the Income and Asset Building Commission. She has made job creation and job retraining, especially in the areas of new manufacturing and biotechnology jobs, priorities during these difficult economic times.
Betsy works as an emergency nurse and has a degree in Health Care Administration. She is highly involved in the community as the founder of “Books are Wings.” She also helped to establish an inner-city wellness center.
Betsy grew up in West Warwick where she attended public school and where, at the age of thirteen, she held her first job, working as a Head Start aide. She graduated from West Warwick High School and went on to receive her R.N. from Rhode Island’s own St. Joseph School of Nursing. Betsy also has a Bachelor of Science degree from St. Joseph College and a law degree from New England Law – Boston.
About the Race
Betsy is challenging incumbent James Langevin in the state’s Democratic primary on September 14. Langevin is serving his 5th term in Congress, though Betsy is considered the more progressive candidate. She has been endorsed by Women’s Campaign Forum.
On Environmental Issues
Betsy has been a strong environmental voice in the Rhode Island House. She authored the Green Buildings Act and recently brought environmental stakeholders and business interests together to discuss how they can work to benefit both businesses and the environment. Betsy was recently recognized by the Rhode Island Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council for assuming a leadership role in environmental issues. She is a member of the Appalachian Mountain Club and the Sierra Club of Rhode Island, which have both applauded her environmental voting record.
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Candidate Colleen Hanabusa (D)
Hawaii - 1st District
www.hanabusa2010.com/
P.O. Box 1416
Honolulu, HI 96806
About the Candidate
In November 1998, in her first run for public office, Colleen Hanabusa was elected to the state Senate. In her freshman legislative year, Senator Hanabusa served as chair of the Senate Committee on Water, Land & Hawaiian Affairs. She was also named vice president of the State Senate and vice chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, appointed co-chair of the Joint Senate-House Investigative Committee concerning the Felix Consent Decree, co-chair of the Joint House-Senate Task Force on Ice and Drug Abatement, chair of the Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs Committee, and majority leader. In November 2006, she was elected President of the Senate, the first woman to lead either house in the Hawai‘i legislature. Colleen has been recognized for her work as a State Senator including being named outstanding legislator by several organizations.
In addition to serving as a state senator, Colleen is a practicing attorney with more than 30 years of experience. She has been recognized in “The Best Lawyers in America” for ten years in a row. In 2009, she received the American Bar Association’s Commission on Racial and Ethnic Diversity “Spirit of Excellence” Award.
Colleen graduated from St. Andrew’s Priory and then attended the University of Hawai’i at Manoa where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Sociology in 1973 and Master of Arts in Sociology in 1975. In 1977, she received her law degree from the William S. Richardson School of Law.
About the Race
Colleen’s main opponent in the Democratic primary has dropped out and thrown his support behind her. Her campaign is now looking toward November, where she will face incumbent Rep. Charles Djou, who just recently won a special election to fill the seat. This is a traditionally Democratic seat in the Honolulu area, so Colleen’s chances are very good.
On Environmental Issues
Colleen’s goal in Congress is to bring federal resources to Hawaii to develop a center of alternative energy innovation at the University of Hawai’i. She notes that Hawai’i’s renewable energy resources are abundant, with solar, wind, wave, and geothermal energy potential that need only to be harnessed. The Sierra Club has endorsed Colleen in the 2010 election.
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Candidate Julie Lassa (D)
Wisconsin - 7th District
www.julielassa.com/
PO Box 112
Stevens Point, WI 54481
About the Candidate
State Senator Julie Lassa is running for Congress in the 7th District of Wisconsin, which includes the northwest corner of the state. She grew up on a dairy farm as the oldest of three children.
Julie was elected to the State Assembly in 1998 and served until 2003 when she won a special election to the State Senate. At 39 years old, Julie has built a record in the legislature focusing on enhancing job creation, promoting small business, strengthening educational opportunities, and protecting children. She has authored numerous laws, including the BPA-Free Kids Act banning the toxic chemical from baby products sold in Wisconsin.
In the State Senate, Julie chairs the Committee on Economic Development and serves on the Committee on Children and Families and Workforce Development, Committee on Health, Health Insurance, Privacy, Property Tax Relief and Revenue, and the Joint Committee on Finance.
Before her service in the state legislature, Julie worked as executive director of the Plover Area Business Association after graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. She is also a member of the Heart of Wisconsin Business & Economic Alliance, Portage County Business Council, and Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
About the Race
Julie is running to fill the seat of retiring Rep. Dave Obey. She faces one primary challenger on September 14, 2010, but is favored to win. This seat is considered a tossup, however, and her opponent in November will likely be a former cast member of the reality show “The Real World,” Sean Duffy.
On Environmental Issues
Julie believes in good environmental stewardship, an important Wisconsin tradition. She believes in carefully managing and protecting our national forests, open spaces, and waterways for the economy and Wisconsin way of life. Julie also believes that our economic and national security interests are best served by ending the U.S. addiction to foreign oil and making a transition to a clean energy infrastructure that increases domestic production of a wide variety of energy sources.
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Candidate Lori Edwards (D)
Florida - 12th District
www.edwards2010.com/
PO Box 280
Eagle Lake, FL 33839
About the Candidate
Lori Edwards grew up in Florida and moved to Polk County in 1982 to pursue her career in radio broadcasting. She fell in love with the outdoor lifestyle of central Florida, the beautiful towns and open spaces, and the character of the tight-knit communities that make up the 12th District. Working as a news reporter, Lori had a passion for issues that directly affected hard-working Floridians.
In 1992, she ran for the Florida State Legislature and was elected in a close race to represent Florida’s 65th District in eastern Polk County. While in the state House, Lori worked hard to reform Florida’s welfare system, and to institute performance-based budgeting. In 2000, Lori was elected Supervisor of Elections in Polk County, and has since been re-elected twice without opposition.
About the Race
Lori is facing one challenger in the Democratic primary on August 24. Though she is considered the favorite in the primary, the general election race will be tough in this traditionally conservative district. Five-term Rep. Adam Putnam is vacating this seat to run for Florida’s Agriculture Commissioner. Recent polls have indicated Lori has a slight lead over the likely Republican nominee.
On Environmental Issues
Lori has spoken publicly about the need for investments in clean energy to create jobs and reduce dependence on foreign oil.
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Candidate Beth Krom (D)
California - 48th District
www.bethkrom.com/
14252 Culver Drive
Suite A Irvine, CA 92604
About the Candidate
Beth Krom was born in Buffalo, New York in 1958. She grew up tagging along to meetings of the League of Women Voters, attending public hearings, and canvassing for candidates with her mother, who taught her about the impact political leadership and citizen activism can have on shaping both our local and national agenda. She received a degree in Education of the Visually Impaired from the University of Texas at Austin. In 1985, she and her husband relocated to Irvine, California to open an optometry practice.
Beth was elected to the Irvine City Council in her first run for political office in November 2000. She was motivated by her skepticism of city leaders’ ability to effectively fight a proposed airport that her community didn’t want. Beth helped stop that airport and went on to win four more consecutive elections, including two terms as the directly elected mayor of Irvine. As mayor, she advanced initiatives that support balanced planning, “smart growth” and environmental stewardship, and enhanced community partnerships with local educational institutions, businesses and non-profits.
During her tenure as mayor, Irvine was recognized as the “Safest Big City in America” all four years. During those same four years, budgets were balanced and city reserves were tripled, without raising taxes, cutting services or laying off a single employee. The city was also named one of the ‘greenest’ cities in America. Because term limits prevented her from seeking a third term as mayor, Beth ran and won a seat on the Irvine City Council in 2008.
Beth launched her Congressional campaign in March 2009. In the past decade of service to her community, Beth has earned a reputation as an effective and accessible leader by working collaboratively with business and labor, the education community, and public officials. She is known as being “results-oriented” and wants to work across the aisle in pursuing equitable solutions.
About the Race
Beth is challenging incumbent Rep. John Campbell in this traditionally conservative district. While Beth is an extremely qualified candidate, it will be an uphill battle for her in November.
On Environmental Issues
Beth is dedicated to maintaining the natural beauty of the 48th district for residents and visitors alike, and for future generations. She was one of the first mayors to sign the U.S. Conference of Mayors Climate Protection Agreement; she knows that addressing climate change and reducing our carbon footprint is the right thing to do. She is committed to ocean protection and to moving the United States toward a clean energy economy.
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Rachel's Action Network is proud to feature a list of women candidates who are fighting for the environment. Some already wield power on Capitol Hill, others are newcomers to the national scene, but all are working to advance the issues important to us.
Below, read the profiles of these promising candidates and legislators, and the races into which they are pouring their energy and enthusiasm. We encourage you to use the power of your checkbook by directly contributing to at least three women candidates. The maximum donation allowed per candidate, per election is $2,400.00.
Click on the candidate photos to learn more about these leaders and lend them your support!
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