NYT: A Quiet Struggle for the Conservationist Vote

[DeepModem Mom]

A Quiet Struggle for the Conservationist Vote
By FELICITY BARRINGER

Published: October 23, 2004


WASHINGTON, Oct. 22 - The word "environment" was scarcely mentioned in the three presidential debates and polls show that environmental issues barely register in the litany of concerns likely to sway presidential voters.

But a fierce if quiet struggle is being fought for the support of hunters, anglers and conservationists, and it is being waged from the pages of Field & Stream magazine to the strategy sessions of the Sierra Club and the League of Conservation Voters....

***

In swing states like Wisconsin, Florida, Oregon and Nevada, each campaign is courting the conservation vote, particularly among outdoorsmen who might be swayed on this issue, all else being equal.

The administration is also sending out its representatives to show support for important issues. Officials from the Interior and Agriculture Departments recently attended an all-terrain-vehicle convention in Louisville, Ky. Administration officials were present for announcements backing off a plan to drill for natural gas in Montana's wildlife-rich Rocky Mountain Front and blessing a decision to speed some Everglades restoration projects in Florida....

***

Some environmental groups have grown so dissatisfied with Mr. Bush's overall record, however, that they are sending hundreds of volunteers each weekend to find undecided voters or galvanize voters leaning toward Mr. Kerry....


http://www.nytimes.com/2004/10/23/politics/campaign/23environmental.html