Green groups say their show of force behind Virginia gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe is a preview of what’s to come during the 2014 elections.
McAuliffe has out-raised his Republican opponent Ken Cuccinelli by roughly $14 million with the help of hefty donations from environmentalists, and is favored to win in Tuesday’s election.
{mosads}Activists say their support for McAuliffe is part of a larger effort to make climate change a major campaign issue.
“I think we have helped draw a clear contrast for voters in the race by prioritizing climate change issues,” said Jeff Gohringer, spokesman for the National League of Conservation Voters.
The Virginia League of Conservation Voters contributed $1.7 million overall, making them McAuliffe’s largest cash contributor outside of the Democratic Governors Association.