PRESS RELEASE

MARTIN HEINRICH WINS

Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund Scores Another Victory To
Expand The Conservation Majority In Congress

Albuquerque, NM – The voters of the 1st congressional district today sent pro-conservation candidate Martin Heinrich to Congress, the result of a priority race for the Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund which ran a comprehensive integrated campaign in the district.  Below is a statement from Rodger Schlickeisen, the President of Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund:

“Our effort in this congressional race, so similar to our stunning victory in California against Rep. Richard Pombo in 2006, and elsewhere this year, should put extreme anti-environmental candidates and members of Congress on notice. We will make sure their constituents know about their positions and record, so they can hold them accountable at the ballot box.

 “Martin Heinrich has an absolutely exemplary record when it comes to supporting policies to conserve wildlife and wild places, and protecting the environment.  He has shown a genuine dedication to this during his impressive career.  By voting to send Martin Heinrich to Congress, the voters of the 1st district have chosen to embrace a new energy future for our country. I look forward to welcoming him to Washington.” 

The Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund campaign in New Mexico races this year was one of the largest and most comprehensive independent expenditure efforts by any group in the environmental community. The campaign integrated robust paid advertising, field, and press operations all led by seasoned political operatives.  In total, for Heinrich alone, the Defenders campaign:

• Deployed 40 campaign staff;
• Knocked on over 50,000 doors in support of Heinrich, from a total of more than 120,000 doors knocked in support of Obama and Udall;
• Aired a well-timed positive television ad down the stretch in support of Heinrich;
• Played a dominant role in the state coalition of numerous labor, environmental, and progressive organizations.

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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.