Collins only GOP Senate candidate to get LCV endorsement

U.S. Sen. Susan Collins: Senator's Office PhotoThe League of Conservation Voters announced its endorsement of Sen. Susan Collins (R-Bangor) today. Collins is being challenged by U.S. Rep. Tom Allen (D-Portland).

Collins is one of only a handful of Republicans endorsed by the group this election cycle, and the only one running for Senate.

“I am honored to receive the endorsement of the League of Conservation Voters,” Collins said, “Maine’s future depends on clean air, clean water, and clean energy, and I will continue to work with LCV and forward thinking leaders from both parties to ensure a cleaner future for us all.”

Tony Massaro, the League’s Vice President of Political Affairs, said on a conference call with reporters that Collins is the best candidate to help get 60 votes on their agenda. He cited her work on global warming and alternative energy, and her support of the University of Maine on research of these issues.

“She doesn’t just vote right, she leads on these issues,” Massaro said. “She expends precious political capitol on these issues, which is a rarity in DC and a rarity within her Republican Party colleagues. She stands out so high in the entire Senate.”

Earlier this week the Allen campaign issued a list of league members who supported the Democratic candidate, including Dan Amory and Ellen Baum, both leaders in the Maine League.

Sherry Huber, who works with the Maine league, said that the individual members of the Maine league can support anyone they want however the state chapter does not officially endorse candidates.

“It’s quite clear that members of the board support Susan Collins, and support Tom Allen,” Huber said. “I’m quite comfortable with that. People are free to make choices. They’re very active in politics and take positions. It does not demonstrate a split in the state league and the national league.”

This is the first time Collins has received the LCV endorsement. In 1996, she did not get the endorsement because she was running for office for the first time and had no record. In 2002 the league did not endorse in her reelection bid against Chellie Pingree (D-North Haven).

This year, Pingree is running for the 1st Congressional District, and the League has endorsed her candidacy.