SierraScape December 2010 - January 2011
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by Richard Egan
EMG Political Committee Chair

The 2010 election did not turn out as many Sierrans had hoped. For example, 90% of contacted Missouri Sierra Club members indicated that they would vote for Robin Carnahan, the eventual loser in the U.S. Senate race. Nonetheless, we may take heart that 22 of 28 candidates endorsed by the Eastern Missouri Group won their respective elections and will be in office in 2011-12.

There were other positive happenings in 2010 which will be built upon to increase Sierra Club power in the future. Much thanks and credit must be given to John Hickey, the former executive director of Missouri Pro-Vote, who joined the EMG political committee and became the Missouri Chapter's political committee chairman at the beginning of 2010. Under John's experience and leadership, we assembled a group of volunteers to staff phone banks, mail postcards to members in swing districts, and canvass door-to-door on two October weekends. Our activity received notice and congratulations from Sierra Club national leaders, while officeholders gratefully recognize us as significant allies.

Out of this year's experience, we hope to continue building political-environmental clout in the region. Many thanks to the dozens of members who volunteered to meet with candidates and work for campaigns in 2010. For those of you who were not involved but would like to become involved in the future, please contact the EMG office. We will be looking for you in 2012!