Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund Endorses Representative Tim Johnson in his 2006 Re-election Campaign

Washington D.C. -- The Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund today publicly announced its endorsement of Rep. Tim Johnson (R-15th IL) in his bid to retain his seat in the House.

"Rep Johnson is a consistent and stalwart supporter of protecting America's environment in the House," said Rodger Schlickeisen, president of Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund. "This commitment is evidenced by the fact that he is one of the highest scoring Republicans on our annual conservation report card."

Rep. Johnson 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.

"It takes a remarkable individual to stand up to some of the most powerful men in Congress. Fortunately, the conservation community has that kind of ally in Rep. Johnson. He has cast his vote against destruction of refuges, pollution of beaches and extinction of some of America's most imperiled creatures," continued Schlickeisen.

Rep. Johnson voted numerous times against drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, against off-shore drilling and against Rep. Pombo's new endangered species legislation.

"Rep. Johnson has the foresight to see that America's energy solutions do not lie under our refuges or in the waters off of our beaches, and so he has rejected drilling in those vital wilderness areas," Schlickeisen explained. "Voters in Illinois' 15th district should remember in November that Rep. Tim Johnson will do what is best for Illinois and all of America, and that he will vote to protect our wildlife and wild places in the process."

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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.