In 2008, the New York League of Conservation Voters used its political clout to elect a new state senator to lead on the key issue of clean energy: Brian Foley from the 3rd District on Long Island.
Brian was the former Brookhaven Town Supervisor.
WHY THIS RACE?
New Yorkers were facing unprecedented environmental challenges in the form of skyrocketing energy prices back in the Summer of 2008.
According to NYLCV's polling, 90 percent of voters in the 3rd Senate District believed the high cost of gas and home heating is their top concern, more than any other issue. A whopping 98 percent of voters at the time had cut back their household spending because of high energy costs. 71 percent said that Albany was not fulfilling its role in providing affordable, reliable and clean energy.
WHY BRIAN FOLEY?
Brian Foley was the Town Supervisor of Brookhaven at the time, Suffolk County's largest town. His track record in that office showed that environmental and energy reform at the top of his agenda, particularly in the areas of open space and energy efficiency. He has often taken controversial stands on these issues to do what is right.
WHAT WAS OUR MESSAGE?
Brian Foley had a robust environmental platform for State Senate. Most notably, his clean energy plan for New York's future -- the state currently has no energy plan. He also supported alternative energy solutions like local solar and wind power, and was working to end Long Island's dependence on foreign oil.
WHAT DID OUR CAMPAIGN LOOK LIKE?
NYLCV's hard-hitting campaign tapped into voters' frustrations on energy issues we spoke to voters in the following ways:
Sent four targeted mailings -- each to 25,000 households -- highlighting the need for a 21st century energy plan and the need to elect leaders who support a clean-energy future for New York State (see the mail pieces on the right side of this page).
Two television ads hammered away at the record of Foley's opponent and discussed Foley's energy plan.
Our message was amplified by live and automated and phone calls including one from actor and Long Island Alec Baldwin.
We mounted a strong get-out-the-vote effort where we put boots on the ground and dropped over 1,000 pieces of literature on Election Day.
