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Republicans for Environmental Protection Endorses McCain for President

Republicans for Environmental Protection (REP), a national conservation organization with a grassroots membership that also includes many elected Republican officeholders, announces its endorsement of Senator John McCain for President of the United States.

"Senator McCain is the only Republican candidate in 2008 who understands the deep connection between true conservative values and good environmental stewardship. He is the candidate best suited, by knowledge, experience, and conviction, to provide the strong environmental leadership that our country needs," said REP President Martha Marks.

"Senator McCain is also the only candidate in the field -- Republican or Democrat -- who fully comprehends the energy challenges facing our nation. This gets far too little attention in the media. He recognizes the complex role that energy plays in our national security, our economic security, and in the health of our environment," Marks added.

REP points to Senator McCain's April 23 speech on energy as the policy vision needed to secure America's future.

As a result of his outstanding record on climate change, Senator McCain has shown that, from day one, he will fulfill the American tradition of strong environmental leadership.

"Like Theodore Roosevelt, Ronald Reagan, and other great GOP presidents, John McCain will live up to America's reputation as a land of visionaries and problem-solvers who are not afraid to take on big environmental challenges," REP Policy Director Jim DiPeso said.

"Energy security and climate change are clearly among the biggest challenges facing America today. As president, John McCain will not shrink from responsibility. He will lead the way forward to a balanced energy and climate plan that will strengthen our defenses, encourage entrepreneurship, grow the economy, improve our quality of life, and take responsibility for leaving a better world for our descendants," REP Government Affairs Director David Jenkins said.

"Senator McCain knows that addressing climate change is a conservative issue that involves maintaining our security, protecting life, and leaving a better future for our grandchildren. He also knows that this stewardship challenge is far too important to leave in the hands of liberals," Jenkins added.

John McCain is the right leader at the right time. He is a real conservative, the only GOP candidate who is true to the ideas and values of great conservative minds such as Edmund Burke and Russell Kirk. It was Kirk who pointed out that, "Nothing is more conservative than conservation."

"We enthusiastically endorse Senator McCain and urge our fellow Republicans to make him our party's nominee for president of the United States," Marks said.

Contacts: David Jenkins, 703-785-9570 - Jim DiPeso, 253-740-2066