Conservation is Conservative

I associate with the Republican Party. However, that does not mean that I always agree with everything that is going on within it. My biggest gripe with the party is its reputation, and sometimes deserving, for being anti-environment. I firmly believe that we need to care for the environment even if our reason is only to preserve its natural beauty. It disappoints me to know that I am sometimes criticized for these beliefs by my own party especially because we have such a rich history of strong environmental advocacy.

Barry Goldwater, Richard Nixon, and even Ronald Reagan had strong environmental ethics. Richard Nixon may be best known for the Watergate Scandal, but few people remember that the Environmental Protection Agency was his creation. He also signed key pieces of legislation including the Clean Air Act, the Endangered Species Act, and the National Environmental Policy Act. Yes, he really was a republican.

There is a group that I was introduced to when I was young and having difficulty understanding why my party had a negative stereotype when it came to environmental protection. It is called Republicans for Environmental Protection which is an independent 501(c)(4) non-profit organization. Their website is filled with policy papers, press releases, and other documents for their cause. They even have a political action committee (PAC) that donates to republican candidates who adhere to their principles.

This image belongs to Republicans for Environmental Protection 

http://www.rep.org/

If you are like me and would like to see the Republican Party make a shift towards a more environmentally friendly agenda, take a look at Republicans for Environmental Protection. Do not forget, you and I do not belong to the Republican Party. The Republican Party belongs to us and we are the only ones who have the ability to make changes.

Joe Kyrillos Campaign Kickoff

State Senator Joe Kyrillos announced last week that he would seek the US Senate seat currently held by Bob Menendez (D-NJ).  His official campaign kick-off, tomorrow, will be the first moment of true spotlight the Senator has received since the big announcement.

Here is the e-mail that was sent out this morning to his supporters:

Joe Kyrillos and his family would like to invite you to his official campaign kick-off for U.S. Senate.  There will be two events, both held on February 1st.  Please join us as Joe shares his story, why he's inspired to run and his strong vision for a better New Jersey.

Wednesday, February 1st

Monmouth County
11:00 am
Lincroft Inn
700 Newman Springs Road 
Lincroft, NJ 07738

Burlington County
3:00 pm
Gibson House- Evesham Community Center
535 E. Main St.
Marlton, NJ 08053

While the poll numbers for any Republican candidate seeking the Senate seat are not great, do not count Senator Kyrillos out just yet.  The poll numbers for Senator Menendez are not great either.  There are plenty of New Jerseyans who would love to see Menendez gone and Kryillos is the Republican Party’s best bet to make that a reality. 

Just like in the Presidential race (which is a whole different ball game), the New Jersey Republicans need to get behind one candidate.  I am sorry to anyone drinking the Tea Party Kool-Aid, but Anna Little is not that candidate.  Not only does she lack the name recognition, but she will not receive the independent support that is required to win in such a liberal state.

You can be assured that Senator Kyrillos will receive the support of his good friend and political ally in Trenton, Governor Chris Christie.  Even though Menendez has a financial war chest as deep as they come, Governor Christie has the ability to be a powerhouse fundraiser as well.

There will, without a doubt, be a hard fought battle for the US Senate seat, not to mention a primary battle that is about to begin.  Let’s hope it is not a long drawn out battle that is ultimately nothing but damaging to the Republican Party.