DEFENDERS OF WILDLIFE ACTION FUND ENDORSES MARTIN HEINRICH, DEMOCRAT FOR CONGRESS IN NEW MEXICO'S 1ST DISTRICT

Group pledges to vigorously support Heinrich in his race against former Bush/Cheney Campaign Chair Darren White

Albuquerque, N.M. – The Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund has added another race to its New Mexico operation today, endorsing Democrat Martin Heinrich in the First Congressional District.  The Action Fund will mobilize its growing grassroots and communications operations to support Heinrich in his race against Republican candidate Darren White.

"Martin Heinrich has an absolutely exemplary record when it comes to supporting policies to conserve wildlife and wild places," Defenders Action Fund President Rodger Schlickeisen said.  "He has shown a genuine dedication to conservation during his impressive career as a Councilman, Natural Resources Trustee, and Executive Director of the Cottonwood Gulch Foundation.  Martin is the kind of leader we need to effect real change in Washington." 

"Darren White is simply out of touch with the concerns of the voters in New Mexico," Defenders Campaign Manager Ed Yoon stated.  "His continuous support of George Bush, who has presided over an era of record gas prices and profits for the oil industry, indicates that he is hardly the person to change the culture of corporate handouts that has marked this administration."

The Action Fund is also supporting Rep. Tom Udall for United States Senate.  In addition to its field operation, which knocked on over 25,000 doors during the month of May alone, the Action Fund has run three television and two radio ads. 

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The Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund (www.defendersactionfund.org) provides a powerful voice in Washington to Americans who value our conservation heritage. Through grassroots lobbying, issue advocacy and political campaigns, the Action Fund champions those laws and lawmakers that protect wildlife and wild places while working against those that do them harm.