PRESS RELEASE

Rhode Island chooses conservationist and independent for governor:
Chafee will govern with true integrity

The following statement from Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund President Rodger Schlickeisen is in response to news that Lincoln Chafee has been successful in his campaign to become governor of Rhode Island:

"Rhode Island has chosen its new governor extremely well. Whatever office he holds, Lincoln Chafee brings integrity and independence to the job, and Rhode Islanders can be confident that they have a true conservationist for a governor. Chafee knows why protecting air, land, water and wildlife is so important and he understands what needs to be done to ensure their protection.

"If anyone is wondering whether assurances are enough, they need look no further than to Chafee's record in the U.S. Senate. There is your proof that Chafee is willing to put his constituents' interests above political interests. That may sound like a quality all leaders should have, but people know that in reality it is extremely rare. He enters office beholden to no one but the citizens of Rhode Island and his conservation values run deep and they come from the heart."

Background:
This is the first time Defenders Action Fund has endorsed a gubernatorial candidate. Defenders announced the endorsement by running a radio ad – Independence – at the beginning of September.

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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.