The Sierra Club, the oldest and largest grassroots environmental organization in the country, today announced the endorsement of Missouri Governor Mel Carnahan for the US Senate seat currently held by John Ashcroft. The endorsement process involved approval by all the local Missouri Sierra Club groups, the statewide Ozark Chapter, and the National Sierra Club Political Committee.
The Sierra Club reviewed Carnahan’s record as Governor in its considerations, including support and advocacy of legislation, budgeting priorities, appointments to boards and commissions, appointments of administrators, his outspoken support of clean water and clean air, willingness to become involved in contentious issues such as High Capacity Chip Mills, and his opposition to mining activities in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. The Sierra Club does not necessarily endorse a candidate simply because of a better record than the opponent; but rather gauges a candidate on a set of criteria.
Statement of Ken Midkiff, Director of the Missouri Sierra Club:
“Missouri citizens, by any measure, place high value on our state’s rivers, lakes, and streams, and have long expressed concern about land stewardship and woodlands. Residents in St. Louis support efforts and activities to clean up their fouled air. Farmers in northern Missouri have lamented the impacts of the massive hog operations.
Governor Carnahan has demonstrated through his actions and that of his appointees that he has the same values and concerns as Missourians when it comes to a clean and healthy environment and protection of our state’s natural resources.
It is our position that it is impossible to have a healthy economy without a healthy environment — and we believe that Mel Carnahan shares that philosophy.
We will engage our active membership in the Carnahan for US Senate campaign. It is time that Missourians elect a US Senator that accurately represents their interests.”