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 NextGen Climate, Steyer's group, said it has made a targeted push
to gain the support of more than one million voters in competitive
races in seven states, hiring more than 700 staff and volunteers and
opening more than 20 offices across the country.
The group, with $50 million in backing from Steyer, says it hopes to
counter the financial influence of the fossil fuel industry by
supporting lawmakers who would work to combat climate change.
NextGen Climate has directed paid advertisements in states such as
Florida, where a close race for governor is under way, at a small
group of truly undecided voters it refers to as "super shifters."
"That's an important band because these are going to be really close
elections. Whichever way that band hits can certainly impact whoever
ends up being the ultimate winner," Chris Lehane, chief strategist
for NextGen Climate, told reporters on a conference call.
Congressional battles, in Colorado, Iowa, Michigan, New Hampshire,
and governor's races in Pennsylvania and Maine are also being
targeted.
Control of the 100-member U.S. Senate is up for grabs in November.
Democrats currently hold 53 seats plus support from two
independents, to Republicans' 45. Republicans control the House of
Representatives and are expected to maintain their majority.
Lehane said voters are very open to messages on the dangers of
climate change on a local level and that the group has attempted to
capitalize on this.
Altogether, the group said NextGen Climate canvassers plan to visit
more than 750,000 homes before election, with 125,000 homes already
contacted.
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While jobs and the economy are typically top issues for voters,
Steyer's group has attempted to bring climate change to the
forefront and give Democratic candidates a reason to highlight their
stance on climate protection.
In some states, the group has linked its message to other causes
such as support for gay marriage, in hopes of attracting voters by
reinforcing negative views of the Republican brand.
"We're beginning to see green shoots," Lehane said. "We are playing
offense and the Republicans are playing defense."
(Reporting by Ayesha Rascoe, editing by Ros Krasny and Bernard Orr)
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