A leading national conservation organization and an organization that advocates American involvement in global affairs endorsed U.S. senator Michael Bennet’s bid for a 3rd term. Both cited the Colorado Democrat’s leadership regarding issues they believe are important to state voters.
In its initial round of endorsements, the National Resources Defense Council Action Fund called Bennet a “climate champion” and praised his efforts in passing legislation involving public lands and wildfire prevention.
Foreign Policy for America Action Network is a nonpartisan political arm of a group that supports “principled American Engagement in the World.” Bennet said Bennet won the support of the group because he understands how the country’s strength abroad can be linked to its strength at home.
For Bennet’s November challenge, seven Republicans are running for nomination in Colorado’s primary in June.
The NRDC Action Fund endorsed Bennet, saying, “Over his two terms at the Senate, Bennet was a powerful voicefor Coloradans as well as the issues that matter most, including the responsible stewardshipof public lands and water, a cause he’s been championing from the Capitol back to 2009.” “Coloradans will be fortunate to have him as their representative in Washington for a third time.”
Bennet sponsored a bill to increase funding for clean-up of abandoned oil and gas wells. Also, he helped establish permanent funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund with The Great American Outdoors Act. This legislation was sponsored by Cory Gardner, Bennet’s former Republican colleague.
The politically-oriented nonprofit is affiliated to the separate National Resources Defense Council, which has nearly 40,000 members in Colorado.
Former U.S. Ambassador to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe and aForeign policy for America advisory member, Dan Baer, praised Bennet in the group’s statement.
Baer stated, “Bennet has built an enviable reputation in Colorado as a principled problem solver. He brings that same ethic to how he views the U.S. role in a challenging world.” “Bennet recognizes that America is stronger at home if it’s strong abroad. His support for child tax credit is about investing to build the middle class and prepare us for competition. He has also worked closely with colleagues on both sides of Congress to ensure that the U.S. can meet the challenges of the future. His smart, values-driven leadership is a benefit to all Americans, including Coloradans.
Baer, a former executive chief of the Colorado Department of Higher Education was a candidate in the 2020 Democratic primaries for Gardner’s seat. However, he withdrew following the resignation of former Gov. John Hickenlooper got in. Hickenlooper won Gardner’s nomination and was elected to the seat.