OLCV e-bulletin: Post-Election analysis, looking ahead to November and upcoming events

 
We had a great start to the 2008 Elections.

Environmental voters were highly engaged in this year's primary. Of the approximately 175,000 identified environmental voters in our database, nearly 81% of them cast their ballots.  This is in contrast to the state-wide turnout of 57%.  This is a significantly larger gap than has been true in past elections.

So what changed from previous elections?

• More responsible environmental leaders were running for office at all levels
• More of these candidates actively talked about environmental issues in their campaign, particularly the urgent need to combat global warming
  
• OLCV was particularly active in several counties where environmental leaders were facing tough contests, talking to voters at the door and on the phone. 
  

Check out our election analysis on our blog, OLCV Talk.

Find out how OLCV's endorsed candidates fared in the 2008 Primary.

 
We hope to carry the excitement and momentum of the Primary Election into November and help elect even more pro-environment candidates throughout the state.

In 2006, if just 768 voters had cast their ballots differently in two legislative races, the anti-environment incumbent would have won, meaning that Karen Minnis would have remained Speaker of the House.  We would have seen a gridlocked 2007 session instead of a fabulous one.

Our challenge in 2008 is two-fold.  First, we must make absolutely sure we defend any of our friends who need help with their reelection, to ensure we retain environmental leadership of the House.  Second, we must seize the opportunities that exist in 2008 to expand the majority by electing environmental leaders to more seats. This will allow us to take the steps needed in 2009 to implement the state's global warming goals and to take practical steps to solve other urgent environmental priorities.

We have several opportunities to expand the majority thanks to some retirements (Karen Minnis, Wayne Scott, Patti Smith) and strong environmental challengers who've emerged who will threaten several incumbents with a track record of voting poorly on the OLCV Scorecard.

Meanwhile, our County Chapters are looking at opportunities to elect environmental leaders in 8-10 county commission, mayoral, and city council contests.

 
The 2008 Lincoln County Coastal Caucus sponsored by OLCV Education Fund

Please join your neighbors in the first countywide discussion on environmental issues affecting the central coast: you’ll have an opportunity to hear from local elected officials about their plans to protect your air, water and resources and learn more about what’s happening in other areas of the county.

WHEN: Tuesday, June 10, from 6-8 PM
WHERE: Newport City Hall, 169 SW Coast Hwy, Newport 

Refreshments and light snacks will be provided.
 
This is a great opportunity to share your concerns in an open and informal forum. 

You are strongly encouraged to RSVP so we can accommodate everyone. Please email Tresa or call 503-224-4011 x206 to RSVP. This event is free and open to the public.

This event is presented by the Oregon League of Conservation Voters Education Fund.

Tickets are now available for the Sustainable Seafood Bake & Silent Auction, formerly known as the Salmon and Tuna Bake.  This event is a fundraiser for OLCV's Lincoln County Chapter.

Get your tickets online now.

Tickets are $30. The cost of your ticket covers a delicious sustainable seafood dinner prepared by Chef Laurie Card at Cafe Mundo (includes gratuity) and entry to our silent auction. The silent auction will feature a variety of original artwork and goods and services donated by local artists and merchants.  Joe Jordon will provide wonderful live music throughout the afternoon.



WHEN: Sunday, June 29, Doors open at 3 pm.

WHERE: Cafe Mundo, 711 NW 2nd Ct, Newport
 
We expect tickets to sell out!  Buy your tickets online for the Sustainable Seafood Bake and Silent Auction today!

Have Your Fish and Eat It Too -

Unfortunately, as many of you know, the fishing industry is undergoing some very hard times. The future of fishing is uncertain and many changes to fishing practices can be expected. As a result, to create more awareness around the need for sustainable fishing and to help folks understand it's easy and fun to eat sustainably; we've decided to rename our event the Sustainable Seafood Bake.