National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/Department of Commerce

Educating Voters About the Need to Protect Our Oceans

Ocean Champions Voter Fund is the first-ever “527” political organization focused solely on oceans and ocean wildlife. Our mission is to use issue advocacy to increase the profile of oceans as a political issue.

Ocean Champions Voter Fund Helps Win Races for Governor on Both Coasts!

Ocean Champions Voter Fund had a successful campaign season in 2006, running campaigns to support the re-election of Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski (D) and South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford (R). By directly participating in the political process to educate voters about both gubernatorial candidates...

Ocean Champions Voter Fund helped both candidates win!


Gov. Mark Sanford R-South Carolina	Gov. Ted Kulongoski D-Oregon

Now Governors Kulongoski and Sanford will continue governing with the health of our oceans as top priorities.

Why do Oregon and South Carolina need Pro-Ocean Governors?

South Carolina
South Carolina's coast is being threatened by the drive to allow new offshore oil drilling. Gov. Mark Sanford has taken a strong stance against new drilling and is committed to stopping this from happening. Ocean Champions Voter Fund ran Pro-Sanford newspapers ads in the coastal towns of Hilton Head, Beaufort, Myrtle Beach and Georgetown, towns that would be greatly affected by new offshore oil drilling.

Mark Sanford will protect South Carolina's barrier islands, salt marshes and beaches from the threat of oil spills. By educating voters on how important re-electing Sanford is to the health of the state's coasts, Ocean Champions Voter Fund energized voters to protect our oceans.

Our Mailers:
"South Carolina Ad"

Oregon
Gov. Ted Kulongoski is concerned about our dependence on foreign oil and has an aggressive renewable energy plan. Gov. Kulongoski is committed to fighting global warming, which directly impacts the health of our oceans, and stopping attempts to drill off Oregon's coast. By sending out mailers detailing why Ted Kulongoski is the right choice for Oregon, Ocean Champions Voter Fund was vital to his re-election campaign.

Ocean Champions Voter Fund ran a joint campaign with the Oregon League of Conservation Voters to support the Governor's re-election campaign. We sent mailers to over 40,000 conservation-oriented voters who the Kulongoski campaign identified as being critical to his re-election.

Ocean Champions Voter Fund was able to help energize voters in Oregon to vote for the oceans and now Kulongoski can continue his pro-ocean agenda.

Our Mailers:
"Kulongoski - Right Priorities"
"Ron Saxton - Wrong Priorities"

Ocean Champions Voter Fund is committed to educating voters about candidates' positions on ocean conservation issues and turning out voters who care about protecting our living oceans.