January 29, 2008

Dear Friend,

IT'S CRUNCH TIME. We're revving up our urgent 'Get Out The Vote' campaign in Rep. Wayne Gilchrest's Maryland District, and YOU are the most important component to the success of this effort.

Your support helps identify and mobilize key Gilchrest voters in the district. It's a tight race, every vote counts on Feb. 12!

HELP US GET OUT THE VOTE IN MARYLAND FOR REP. WAYNE GILCHREST!

Gilchrest Highlight: healthy fisheries.

Rep. Gilchrest consistently fought against his own party's attempts to weaken fisheries management in this country.
Remember this guy? (Yeah, we weren't real 'big' on him either). When Richard Pombo - former Republican Chairman of the Resources Committee - tried to weaken the Magnuson-Stevens Fisheries Act in 2006, Rep. Gilchrest took a stand against Pombo, and did NOT back down. Thanks to Gilchrest's unwavering commitment - with support from you and Ocean Champions - a strong Magnuson-Stevens Act was reauthorized. And, Rep. Richard Pombo was sent back to the ranch.

Gilchrest sustains healthy fish populations in your backyard.
Ever heard of Menhaden? This little fish plays a key ecological role in the Chesapeake Bay's ability to filter water. Unfortunately, juvenile recruitment in the Chesapeake Bay is low, and future stock sizes are a big concern. Gilchrest introduced the Menhaden Conservation Act (HR 3841), which prohibits commercial harvesting of Menhaden for the next five years. It is this kind of eco-smart legislation that keeps our oceans, rivers, and bays healthy.

By contrast, Gilchrest's opponents are a 'little fishy.'
For instance, Harris has the misguided perspective that Chesapeake Bay fishermen and environmental stewards are exclusive of one another. NOT! At a debate at Chesapeake College, he stated, "we have to have balance between the folks who depend on the Bay for livelihood and environmental stewards." ...WHAT?!

Here's the kind of kudos Rep. Gilchrest consistently receives:
	"Gilchrest has been one of Congress' leading voices for improved fisheries management." - Republicans for Environmental Protection (REP)
	"Wayne Gilchrest understands the Bay and those who depend on it. He has devoted his career to protecting it...he deserves to continue that work in Congress." - League of Conservation Voters
	"If Marylanders ever hope to realize even a portion of the state's goals for restoring the Chesapeake Bay, Gilchrest must be victorious on February 12." - Maryland Sierra Club