I wrote yesterday regarding my unsettled reaction to the endorsement of Lincoln Chafee by the Sierra Club and the LCV. (And for those you want to know...yes I USE to contribute to LCV).
I know that Lincoln Chaffe has a admirable voting record on environmental legislation and that yes, he does drive a Prius.
My concern is that his voting record and his personal driving habits must be put into the larger context that he is a Republican. I think it is beyond debate that our fine governmental institutions (legislative and judicial) will not produce any environmentally benefical legislation until the Republicans are no longer in power.
Unfortunately, despite his environmental votes, Lincoln Chafee's presence only acts to sustain the Republican jihad. He certainly loves W's judicial nominees, favors Bill Frist to Harry Reid, and if the Dems have a good year in 2006 Chafee could be the man that gives the deciding vote on the health of our planet to Dick Chaney.
It is for this reason that I don't understand these endorsements. Are these groups saying that Chafee's Democratic opposition would be less friendly to environmental issues? If so, what are the criteria that they are using to make that type of judgement?
Chafee represents a strong Democratic state. It is the votes of R.I. to decide of course. However, when I read the press releases promoting these endorsements and their pledge of time and money in securing Chafee's election I could only conclude that money sent to these organizations will be directly used to keep the GOP in power.
2006 is a critical time. Personally, I want to spend my time and money in kicking this destructive %!@&*s out.