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First Round of Candidates Endorsed

The Granite State Conservation Voters Alliance has endorsed its
first slate of candidates leading up to the September 14 primary.

Peter Hoe Burling (Senate District 5) (Open Seat)
	Committee to Elect Peter Burling GSCVA endorses Peter Hoe Burling because of his stellar environmental voting record as a state representative and his leadership on the issues as Democratic Leader in the New Hampshire House of Representatives. As a representative, he voted for mercury reductions, downtown revitalization to help curb sprawl, and the lead sinker ban. The future of New Hampshire's environment requires stronger leadership in the state senate. GSCVA is confident that Burling will contribute to conservation causes in New Hampshire's higher legislative chamber.

Carl Johnson (Senate District 2)
	Johnson for State Senate GSCVA endorses Senator Carl Johnson in his primary campaign against Richard Brothers. Senator Johnson has voted pro-environment with jet-ski legislation and was the prime sponsor of the new law that protects New Hampshire's lakes by banning the sale of lead fishing sinkers. Environmental advocates describe Johnson as being a strong lakes issues senator. Johnson has also been a strong supporter of LCHIP, co-sponsoring the original LCHIP legislation in 2000.

Sylvia Larsen (Senate District 15)
	Larsen for State Senate Larsen is considered to have one of the strongest environmental records in the New Hampshire Senate. As a lawmaker Larson has demonstrated that environmental protection is a priority -- through her votes and through her sponsorship of important environmental legislation. GSCVA endorses Larsen because her dedication to the protection of New Hampshire's natural resources has been second to none.

Bob Odell (Senate District 8)
	Bob Odell for State Senate Odell was a strong supporter of LCHIP and fought hard against the draconian cuts to the program's budget last year. Odell, a strong supporter of Cooperative Extension, has a good environmental voting record and has not shied away from expressing his support for New Hampshire's environment, most recently in the efforts to protect Mt. Sunapee State Park from over-development. Bob is among the senate's most knowledgeable and hardest working members for environmental issues.

Andrew Peterson (Senate District 11)
	Friends of Andrew Peterson GSCVA endorses Andrew Peterson in his primary election campaign against Peter Bragdon. GSCVA recognizes Peterson's cooperation with New Hampshire's conservation advocates, his efforts to find a dedicated funding base for LCHIP, and for becoming involved with New Hampshire's lakes issues.

Deborah Pignatelli (Executive Council District 5)
	Pignatelli for Executive Council The Governor and Council form of government is unique to the State of New Hampshire because the Executive Branch is made up of a Governor and five Executive Councilors, each Councilor representing a region of the state. This race is considered by many to be the most competitive of the five council races. GSCVA endorses challenger Deb Pignatelli because as a state representative and later as a state senator she developed an exemplary track record for environmental leadership. A victory for Pignatelli is a win for the environment; as a member of the Executive Council Deb Pignatelli will return sensible and urgently needed balance to New Hampshire's Executive Branch.

The GSCVA board of directors examined the environmental performance of these candidates, interviewed people who advocate on conservation issues in Concord, and spoke to candidates themselves. GSCVA endorsements-backed by new conferences and releases, financial support and staff assistance - will serve to recognize those who will fight for New Hampshire's environment and build stronger environmental leadership in Concord.

For more information on how you can support political action for New Hampshire's environment, visit GSCVA at www.voteconservation.org or call (603) 772-7784. The Granite State Conservation Voters Alliance is a bi-partisan, statewide, non-profit organization dedicated to protecting New Hampshire's environment by making it a priority for our elected leaders.