Crossposted at MyDD and BOR
John Courage picked up four key endorsements in the past couple of weeks. Two from national groups, The Sierra Club and Latinos for America, and two from regional groups, San Antonio Toll Party and The Texas Environmental Democrats - Austin.
The Sierra Club and The Texas Environmental Democrats endorsements were given to John because of their belief that John will be a leader and take action to defend our environment. John has a website specifically dedicated to his positions on the environment - Conservation With Courage.
Sierra Club representative Chuck Byrd made this comment about Lamar Smith at our press conference:
Smith has consistently voted with the current administration to rape, pillage, and destroy the environment.
Coincidentally the League of Conservation Voters
issued their 2006 report card yesterday and they gave Lamar Smith a score of 17%. That is on a scale of 100, folks. Smith's environmental LCV record is a lot like the current administration's forest clearing policy also referred to as "leave no tree behind act". Lamar Smith is clearly a failure when it comes to protecting our environment. This is the fourth year in a row Smith has been given failing scores by LCV. His average for the past four years works out to a miserable 5.75%.
LCV Ratings for Lamar Smith:
109th, 1st Session (2005-2006) 17%
108th Congress (2003-2004) 3%
107th Congress (2001-2002) 0%
106th Congress (1999-2000) 3%
That reminds me of the press event Smith held at Austin city hall to announce his solar energy bill back in June of this year. The "Courage Truth Squad" was on hand to set the record straight. We support solar energy and the bill he introduced, but we were not fooled by Smith's sudden switch to support the environment in an election year cycle. Apparently neither was the LCV since they rated him at 17% for other key environmental votes cast during this session.
On Monday, Latinos for America endorsed John through their PAC. Ralph Miller, Executive Director of LFA praised John in their LFA-PAC press release:
It was refreshing to read your belief that immigration policy should reflect our country's core values: equal opportunity, respect for the law, and fairness for everyone. With nearly 25% Hispanic population in your district, your commitment to maintaining cultural diversity - including support for bilingual education - is a hopeful sign that you will continue to appreciate the changing face of the Latino voter.
Members of LFA, as individuals, contributed voice talent and production assistance to create Spanish-language radio ads that will soon be airing in the San Antonio Area.
Toll Roads are a hot issue this election year and The San Antonio Toll Party weighed in with their endorsements on Tuesday. Terri Hall, Regional Director lists Lamar Smith as a "bad guy" on the "good guy/bad guy" list for not bothering to respond to their questionnaire and then noted that Smith voted for the highway bill.
Terri Hall said this about John:
Mr. Courage has gone out of his way to help the Toll Party fight tolls, even as a candidate. We're confident he'll represent the PEOPLE not special interests in Washington. Since President Bush and his former and new Transportation Secretary are clearly pushing the privatizing and tolling of our public infrastructure on the national level, Texans need aid in Congress as much as at home.
Proposed toll roads for San Antonio include Hwy 281, Hwy 1604, I-35, Wurzbach Parkway, and Bandera Rd.
At times like these, Congress needs Courage!