Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund Endorses Representative Frank LoBiondo in his 2006 Re-election Campaign

Washington D.C. -- The Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund today publicly announced its endorsement of Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R-2nd NJ) in his bid to retain his seat in the House.

"Rep. LoBiondo has been key to some of our most important conservation battles in Congress," said Rodger Schlickeisen, president of Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund. "Anyone who has the courage to stand up to their party's leadership, make their own decisions and vote their conscience is a much-needed voice of reason in today's oft-divided Congress."

"The conservation community has been able to count on Rep. LoBiondo when it comes to stopping attempts to drill in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge," Schlickeisen continued, adding "And he rejected Rep. Richard Pombo's attempts to dismantle the Endangered Species Act last September. Those are two of the most important environmental issues in America today, and Rep. LoBiondo was on the side of protection and conservation each time."

Rep. LoBiondo currently has an 83 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. LoBiondo is a solid congressman who does not waver on issues or simply vote the party line," concluded Schlickeisen. "Rather, he votes for what is best for his constituents in New Jersey and for people all over America. Anyone who appreciates our wildlife and wild lands should also appreciate the support that Frank LoBiondo offers to the environment and vote to keep him in Congress this November."

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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.