What They Are Saying

"Getting Americans involved in protecting the oceans is one of our greatest challenges. Ocean Champions Voter Fund will be a powerful tool to help get Americans engaged in the politics of the oceans."

- The Honorable Leon E. Panetta, Director, Panetta Institute for Public Policy at California State University Monterey, former eight-term Congressman from California, former White House Chief of Staff for President Clinton, and Chair, Pew Oceans Commission

"To advance an agenda in Washington, D.C., you must be relevant politically. Participating in the electoral process is part of the game. I am supporting Ocean Champions Voter Fund because I believe it is the way to make a difference in the Halls of Congress."

David Festa, Director of Ocean Programs, Environmental Defense and former Director of Policy for the Department of Commerce in the Clinton Administration

"David Wilmot and Jack Sterne are a great team – between them, they have significant experience lobbying on environmental issues on Capitol Hill and testifying in front of Congressional committees, great connections in the fields of ocean conservation, science, and environmental law, and important relationships with key individuals in the political, philanthropic, and business communities. In addition, they are well-respected by both colleagues and opponents and bring well-developed fundraising and management skills to the table. Ocean Champions Voter Fund is lucky to have leaders of this caliber."

- Sarah Chasis, Senior Attorney and Director of the Water and Coastal Program, Natural Resources Defense Council

"People across America care about our oceans and want to see them protected. However, some elected officials aren’t getting the message. Organizations that are dedicated to the oceans and able to participate in electoral politics are needed to help capture the attention of politicians. Ocean Champions Voter Fund has a solid plan to make this happen."

- Vikki Spruill, President, SeaWeb, a non-profit organization that uses strategic communications techniques to advance ocean conservation

"Our public lands and their wildlife enjoy many dedicated champions in the Congress, while our oceans and their wildlife do not. With the help of Ocean Champions Voter Fund, we could finally have a political environment that rises to the challenge of protecting and preserving our oceans."

- Gerald Leape, Vice President, Marine Conservation Program, National Environmental Trust and Co-Chair, Marine Fish Conservation Network