LCV Targeting "Flat Earth 5", All R; 3 Likely D Pickups, 2 Toss-Ups; Other Green Groups Stepping Up

[hatrack]

It is the issue most notable by its absence in the 2012 presidential race. But the environment may yet have an impact this election as campaign groups target the vulnerable congressional seats of Republicans who dismiss the dangers of climate change.

The present US Congress is generally considered the most unfriendly to the environment on record – with multiple votes in the House of Representatives to strike down or weaken environmental regulations, cut back funds for developing clean energy, and discount the existence of climate change.

Now, nine Republicans – all in tough re-election contests – are facing payback for their records on the environment. In the congressional races, the League of Conservation Voters, aims to spend $2m before election day to defeat what the group calls the 'Flat Earth Five': Republicans who do not accept established science on climate change. The League's targets include: Dan Benishek of Michigan, Ann Marie Buerkle of New York, Francisco Canseco of Texas, Dan Lungren of California and Joe Walsh of Illinois. The group is spending heavily on television ads as well as direct mail.

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"It's fair to say all five of these members are struggling," Gohringer said of the five Republicans targeted by his organisation. "What we are seeing now is that these members are actually being put on the spot for their positions on climate change." The website Real Clear Politics on Friday rated districts for Schilling, Buerkle, and Walsh as likely Democratic pick-ups. Lungren, Renacci, Coffman, and Canseco were in toss-up races, according to Real Clear Politics.

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http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/oct/03/republican-climate-sceptics-reelection-backlash

[Mojorabbit]

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