Conservation voters endorse Alex Sink for Florida House seat

The League of Conservation Voters (LVC) endorsed Democrat Alex Sink on Thursday for the House seat left open following the death of Rep. Bill Young (R-Fla.) in October.

The conservation group — known for throwing its political muscle behind candidates who help push forward strong environmental policy — says Sink, the state’s current chief financial officer, has done considerable work to protect the environment while improving Florida’s economy.

“Alex Sink has a strong record of bringing communities together with businesses to protect our environment and improve Florida’s economy,” said Gene Karpinski, president of LCV, in a statement on Thursday.

“She’s been a true ally on the local level, and LCV Action Fund is pleased to endorse her for Congress so she can bring her leadership to the national level.”

Sink announced her campaign in late October, giving Democrats a solid chance at snagging a seat in a Republican district, which Young represented for more than four decades.

Sink also received an endorsement from EMILY’s List in October.

The conservation group touted Sink’s work as Florida’s chief financial officer on climate change issues and plans to protect Florida’s environment.

In the recent Virginia governor’s race, the conservation group threw considerable weight behind then-candidate Terry McAuliffe (D), donating $1.7 million overall, making them McAuliffe’s largest cash contributor outside of the Democratic Governors Association.

The green group’s push behind and McAuliffe and endorsement of Sink are a sign of what’s to come in 2014 races.

If candidates lean into issues like climate change and the environment, then the league plans to get their back, a spokesman for the group said.