PRESS RELEASE

DEFENDERS OF WILDLIFE ACTION FUND ENDORSES NICK LEIBHAM IN CALIFORNIA'S 50th DISTRICT

"We know we can count on Nick..."

Washington, DC --- The Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund today announced its endorsement of Nick Leibham in his race to unseat the anti-environmental Brian Bilbray in California's 50th district.

"Our country is in desperate need of forward looking economic and energy policies and we know we can count on Nick Leibham to be part of setting those policies in Washington. He has the courage and foresight to stand up to the special interests and get things done and we are proud to offer him our endorsement today," said Action Fund President Rodger Schlickeisen.

Leibham is running against Brian Bilbray who has a 20% rating on the Action Fund's most recent congressional conservation Report Card.

"Bilbray is still trying to solve 21st century problems with 20th century thinking. He has repeatedly voted against clean, renewable energy programs that can reduce our dependence on foreign powers for oil. He has voted against raising fuel economy standards that would save California families hundreds in fuel costs. And he has voted against repealing tax breaks for Big Oil, even as we were all hurting at the pump," said Schlickeisen.

"When it comes to setting a new energy policy for our country, there really is only one choice in California's 50th district: Nick Leibham."

Defenders Action Fund's endorsement of Leibham is part of its biennial Conservation Majority Project, the goal of which is to install a permanent congressional majority that will implement meaningful conservation measures nationwide. In 2006, DAF targeted 26 different House races as part of the project and will be targeting 15-20 different races this cycle.

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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.