Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund Endorses Representative Chris Shays in his 2006 Re-election Campaign

Washington D.C. -- The Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund today publicly announced its endorsement of Rep. Chris Shays (R-4th CT) in his bid to retain his seat in the House.

"Rep. Shays is one of the most conservation-minded Republicans in the House today," said Rodger Schlickeisen, president of Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund. "He is willing to stand up for his values and vote his conscience, even under pressure from his party's leaders."

Rep. Shays currently has an 89 percent pro-conservation voting record for the 109th Congress based on votes listed on the Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund web site. Most or all of these votes will be the basis for the organization's final report card, issued at the end of each congress. The report card measures the commitment of U.S. Senators and Representatives to wildlife and habitat conservation during each Congressional session. It reviews votes on key conservation issues, providing a clear assessment of how well members of Congress are doing to protect wildlife and wild lands for future generations. Voting record details are available at www.defendersactionfund.org.

"Rep. Shays has been a consistent supporter of some of our most important issues. Connecticut has always been an integral part of our success in keeping oil companies out of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, and Rep. Shays listens to his constituents," continued Schlickeisen. "While other congressmen were concerned with keeping their corporate backers happy and letting them in the Arctic refuge, Rep. Shays slammed the door shut on behalf of his district, himself and all Americans who want the Arctic refuge kept off limits."

Besides his continued support for the Arctic refuge, Rep. Shays also voted against Rep. Pombo's efforts to dismantle the Endangered Species Act.

"He was part of a strong bipartisan opposition to Rep. Pombo's efforts to gut the Endangered Species Act. This is just another example of Rep. Shays' commitment to conservation in America and his willingness to vote based on his values, not his party," concluded Schlickeisen.

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The Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund 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.